PrairieSeasons Loc: Red River of the North

From a Marine Corps Colonel in Afghanistan...

"With all the kindness I can muster, I give this one piece of advice to the next pop star who is asked to sing the National Anthem at a sporting event... save the vocal gymnastics, the screeching and the physical gyrations for your concerts. Just sing this song the way you were taught to sing it in kindergarten - straight up, no styling.

"Sing it with the constant awareness that there are soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines watching you from bases and outposts all over the world. Don't make them cringe with your self-centered ego gratification.

Sing it as if you are standing before a row of 86-year-old WWII veterans wearing their Purple Hearts, Silver Stars and f**g pins on their cardigans and you want them to be proud of you for honoring them and the country they love - not because you want them to think you are a superstar musician.

They could see that from your costume, your makeup and your entourage.

Sing 'The Star Spangled Banner' with the courtesy, dignity, respect and humility that tells the audience that our national anthem is about America, not about you.

Francis Scott Key does not need any help."

Semper Fi

Lady Gaga should have taken this advice tonight.

green Loc: 22.1749611,-159.646704,20

... a classic :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjzZh6-h9fM

I wish I had his kindergarten teacher!

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

I agree. While the Anthem was being performed I said the same thing. Showing off has no place in singing the Anthem.

Frapha Loc: Tulsa, Oklahoma

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Frank T Loc: New York, NY

Boy you old guys really have too much time on your hands.
Lady Gaga nailed the Anthem. What was your problem with it. Her voice? Her dress? The fact she's pretty?
I don't get it. Should we get some old guy to sing off-key without any feeling?
Just as a matter of fact, Francis Scott Key did get help. He gave the poem to his brother-in-law who then set it to music of To Anacreon In Heaven, a tune that already existed but happened to fit the poem.
Key also never wrote the song with the intent of five fighter jets flying over it, so I guess we should get rid of that. Then there's that pesky 50 star f**g.
Oh well, maybe it's time for you guys to visit a nursing home and look for a new place to live.

EdM Loc: FN30JS

'bout time that was replaced with "america" isn't it? and she did ok, but looked wierd..

Opus Loc: South East Michigan

While I would not object to that change I don't know how well it would go over. Lady GaGa did a good job but looked like something out of a bad science fiction movie. But then again I am an old fart and no longer the target audience. I still think Whitney Houston's 1991 version is the best ever.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

NO I felt the same way when I was 20. Singing the Anthem at a big event is an honor. and should be sung that way. It is not tghe time or place for vocal gymnastics. I don't care how the parformer looks or dresses that's his/her business. The song should be sung with the respect that it is due. BTW Lady Gaga is a beautiful and talented singer. When she performed the the Sound Of Music classics for the Julie Andrews Honors event she sang them perfectly without any of the vocal "tricks" that she used at the super bowl. I view it as show of disrespect for the National anthem. I like the fly-over. It's another show of respect.

Bazbo Loc: Lisboa, Portugal

I loved Gaga’s interpretation. Artistic freedom is one of the things that makes this country great.

green Loc: 22.1749611,-159.646704,20

she seemed pretty restrained... at least she didn't wear her meat dress!

http://cdn2.thegloss.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Lady_Gaga_Meat_Dress.jpeg

idaholover Loc: Nampa ID

When we saw the line up of, so called, "talent" we passed on all of it. Glad I did. I saw one headline about sheriffs turning their back on Bouncy. Probably explains why I still have a functioning TV today. This country has gone right down the s**tter! Thank God Daytona is only weeks away! Real Americans back on TV.

idaholover Loc: Nampa ID

I'll take respect where appropriate first. You probably liked the Crusifix in the pan of urine at the tax payer funde New York Museum of Art years ago!

idaholover Loc: Nampa ID

What? You didn't like Roseanne Bar's version where she grabs her crotch? Babozo did, he likes artistic expression.

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

Agreed Opus. Being an ardent Denver Broncos fan, and not so much of Lady Gaga, I think she did indeed sing it well. As to her attire, it was much toned down from many she has performed in.

idaholover Loc: Nampa ID

Here, enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls1YVhcLD2c