How Bad/Good was the Music at the Super Bowl?

[AGDee]

Now here's a novel concept... how about the people at the game singing the National Anthem. Remember when we used to do that??? EVERYBODY used to sing.

[Tulip86]

Originally Posted by AGDee

Now here's a novel concept... how about the people at the game singing the National Anthem. Remember when we used to do that??? EVERYBODY used to sing.

That's what they do here! The athletes and people in the stadium (and at home!) all sing the national anthem. Love that!

[TonyB06]

I guess I've got a contrarian view when it comes to professionals singing the anthem. I just watched Christina Aguillera's (sp) performance last night (DVR'd the game) and, flubbed words notwithstanding, think she did well. He voice is soulful and compelling. Mix in a teleprompter next time, and she's good to go in my book.

To the bigger issue, however, if the country is an alleged "melting pot," then isn't it everybody's anthem? I think the performance inflections of professionals from different cultural backgrounds, give meaning to the supposed diversity of the country. My favorite renditions were probably Whitney Houston's Super Bowl performance in 1991, Marvin Gaye's rendition at the '82 NBA all star game, and Jennifer Hudson (don't remember the event).

Converserly, while I may not care for how a country-western star might sing it, I can at least appreciate that it's a style that may bring enjoyment for others; diversity writ large, in a way.

I just never buy the argument that there is supposedly only one preferred way to sing the song. Because if there is, who gets to decide whose way that is?

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by TonyB06

To the bigger issue, however, if the country is an alleged "melting pot," then isn't it everybody's anthem? I think the performance inflections of professionals from different cultural backgrounds, give meaning to the supposed diversity of the country. My favorite renditions were probably Whitney Houston's Super Bowl performance in 1991, Marvin Gaye's rendition at the '82 NBA all star game, and Jennifer Hudson (don't remember the event).

You know, I remember making exactly that same argument to my father when I was college-aged. Now here I am, sounding just like my father.

I just never buy the argument that there is supposedly only one preferred way to sing the song. Because if there is, who gets to decide whose way that is?

Duh. I do.

Seriously, I can agree with this, up to a point at least. Much as my own sensibilities would be spared offense, I think it would be wrong to insist on a particular preferred way of performing the song, and I can appreciate the diversity that is represented in different styles, even if I don't appreciate the performance itself. But that doesn't mean I can't have my preferences, my likes and dislikes.