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Good morning, Netizens…
The talking heads today are occasionally talking about Jennifer Hudson’s story, about her compelling performance of the Star Spangled Banner before the Super Bowl yesterday, and some even mentioning the murders of her mother, brother and nephew who were brutally murdered in October of last year, ostensibly murdered by the singer’s brother-in-law, William Balfour, who has been charged in the crimes. Despite the fact that Jennifer Hudson lip-synched her performance yesterday, as that is an order of the NFL, she gave the performance of a lifetime before an audience of billions around the globe.
The hulking football players, great clad heroes of the coming battle, appeared to be touched, as was I.
However, the truly greatest significance of Jennifer Hudson’s performance came not from her considerable talents and tremendous vocalization.
No, for what brought tears to my eyes, insufferable old sentimental poop that I am, is that after countless wars, thousands of young people in far-off lands willing to give their lives for their country, and all the strife and anguish that it implies, Old Glory, our great American flag is still there, floating in the breeze, to give us all pause to consider how very fortunate we are. For a time there, a mere dot in the face of history, perhaps others were reminded of the great sacrifices that flag represents, and we as a Nation might be grateful to be here, and to live in the greatest free country in the world.
Dave
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ChefGus/ John Olsen on February 02 at 10:19 a.m.
Dave, i just heard a replay on the morning show, and it was quite a performance… my thoughts being that “Yeah, for the first time a world wide audience might see a performance of that song and perhaps believe that the message contained inside it’s poetry is true. John
JeanieSpokane on February 02 at 11:52 a.m.
May we always remember our children fighting for the freedom and majest that our Flag stands for. Beautiful rendition of the national anthem.
pjc on February 02 at 1:44 p.m.
She lip synched it and so did Faith Hill. They recorded the songs last week as the NFL requests. My source is an AP report by Jenna Fryer (AP Sports Writer).
Kinda takes away from the performance when it is faked. The entertainment industry is all about smoke and mirrors.
Diana on February 02 at 2:03 p.m.
I wonder why the NFL requested lip synching.
I don’t see it as fake in this case. After all, they did sing it live as it was being recorded, huh? Great music is great music whether you hear it from a live voice, CD, MP3 or whatever. The drum machines and electronic noises they use are a different story. Now those are fake!
It seems to have become the rule to yell the National Anthem rather than sing it. I prefer it the old way, they still did a beautiful job.
pjc on February 02 at 4:18 p.m.
Diana, I suppose the NFL requests it in case of inclement weather or something happens to the singer’s voice. To clarify, the NFL does give the singer the option to sing it live but they want that tape just in case.
Actually, I do see it as faking it. Recordings can be cleaned up and make a crappy signer sound better. If someone is going to sing for such a big event, do it live. If you can’t belt it out live then perhaps you shouldn’t be doing it.
JeanieSpokane on February 02 at 4:43 p.m.
I’m on the fence. I don’t mind it being lip-synced - but I do mind the theatrics of straining to reach the high notes and panting when they’re done, like they just finished a marathon. That’s just tacky.
Diana on February 02 at 5:44 p.m.
Faking, panting, straining, yelling, yeah, but I still have to hand it to the singers who sing it for the games. It has to be a difficult song to pull off… I know this because I attempt it in the shower.
I’ve never been a big fan of Bruce Springsteen, but he did a good job at half-time. His face looked a little like those figures in the wax museums, like he’s had plastic surgery or a little work done. I prefer older rockers to go the way of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and let it all hang out.
richard on February 02 at 6:41 p.m.
They actually aren’t faking the facial expressions or the panting even when they lip-synch. They are still singing - even if very softly … but the mic is off so only the recorded song is played out of the speaker system.
It is quite difficult lip-synching without making any noise at all as you tend to look too antimated … especially when trying to hit the high notes.