What If (Reba McEntire song)

"What If" is a song written by Diane Warren, and released in November 1997 by Reba McEntire and re-released in May 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"What If"
Single by Reba McEntire
Released	November 25, 1997 May 8, 2020 (re-release)
Genre	Country
Length	4:01
Label	MCA Nashville
Songwriter(s)	Diane Warren
Producer(s)	David Malloy, Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire singles chronology
"What If It's You" (1997) "What If" (1997) "If You See Him/If You See Her" (1998)

The song was originally recorded by American recording artist Brenda K. Starr for her 1991 album By Heart and was covered in 1995 by Belgian jazz band Vaya Con Dios on their album Roots and Wings.

Reba McEntire version

Reba McEntire released a cover of the song as a promotional single in November 1997. This single was released commercially to benefit the Salvation Army with all proceeds being donated to their service.[1] The song was performed by Reba at the halftime of the Dallas Cowboys' 1997 Thanksgiving game. It reached #23 on Hot Country Songs and #50 on the Billboard Hot 100.

A remixed version of "What If" was included on Reba's 2000 European compilation album I'll Be.

COVID-19 re-release

McEntire re-released the single with an updated music video in May 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that featured clips of healthcare workers, caregivers, and others interwoven with the original music video.[2]

Chart positions

Chart (1997-1998)	Peak position
Canada Country Tracks (RPM)[3]	19
US Billboard Hot 100[4]	50
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[5]	23

References

1. Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc. p. 271. ISBN 0-89820-177-2.
2. Reba McEntire Updates “What If” With New Video
3. "Top RPM Country Tracks: Issue 3440." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. February 2, 1998. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
4. "Reba McEntire Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
5. "Reba McEntire Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard.