I’m not an American, but I love the Star Spangled Banner... next to my country’s national anthem, of course. Unlike the “Lupang Hinirang” (the Philippines’ national anthem), America’s Star Spangled Banner is slow and mellow. Plus, American singers have many versions of the song, making it all the more interesting.
Every once in a while, I go to Youtube and watch my favorite goosebumps-inducing Star Spangled Banner performances. Let me share with you my favorites.
Undeniably the best Star Spangled Banner performance. If charts would be the basis of this, know that Whitney Houston’s version made it to number 20 of the Billboard’s Top 100 -- yup, it’s that good. And look at the response of the people. They feel empowered, and they feel really, really proud to be Americans. Take a look at the video and judge for yourself.
The vocals are just...wow! I give props to Faith Hill when she hit the “free” note perfectly without using falsetto. To some commenters on Youtube, Faith Hill’s version is better than Whitney’s because of this, but to me, the power in Whitney’s voice has made everyone really love their country. Don’t hate me...just saying.
Slated as one of the singers who can be the next Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson proved that she can give us a memorable rendition of the Star Spangled Banner just like the late Whitney. Watch Jennifer hit the notes, and you can see the emotions pouring. Her eyes are filled with pride, and she sings the national anthem so beautifully.
They say that this performance from Beyonce is pre-recorded, but give the girl a break.
This version is just beautiful.
The vibratos are kept to a minimum, and unlike the one she did with the other Destiny’s Child members a few years back, this is not as RnB.
I just can’t stop watching this performance from Martina McBride! It’s done live, and when you’re out on an open field and it’s super cold, your voice should crack. But not Martina. It was smooth, and she hit the notes perfectly. This one definitely deserves to be on this list.
Reading through the comments on Youtube, a music expert said that this is how the Star Spangled Banner should be sung. Though I don’t have an expertise in music, and neither do I have a full understanding of what the standards of singing the US national anthem are, it doesn’t take a genius to know that this version is not overdone.
Oh, the drama that is Mariah. Wink! She made the Star Spangled Banner a sultry song, didn’t she? Double wink! I would have put this higher on the list, but the whistle she did when she hit “free” kinda ruined it a little bit. (Where did “free” go?) Her fans would never agree.
There’s no doubt about it, Jordin Sparks can sing. And if the American Idol crown is not enough to prove her talent, listen to her rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.
At such a young age of 16, Demi Lovato pulled this one off!
There were some flaws, and you can tell she was distracted by the crowd’s applause / cheer, but you can’t also deny that Demi did an amazing job.
Not many people can sing this live, and the notes -- she hit them without falsettos!
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