This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Yes, Christina Aquilera messed up the lyrics to "The Star Spangled Banner" at the Super Bowl on Sunday. Which is forgivable. Who among us hasn't made similar mistakes?
But even if she'd gotten the words right, Aguilera's rendition would still have been awful. It's the national anthem. It should have tempo. It should be respectful. It's not supposed to be a forum for Aguilera or anyone else to give us their vocal interpretation. To make up their own notes as they go along.
Apologizing for messing up the lyrics, the singer issued this statement: "I can only hope that everyone could feel my love for this country and that the true spirit of its anthem still came through."
Nope. Only your true attempt to make "The Star Spangled Banner" about you.
Frankly, I've been to any number of sporting events here in Utah that featured singers doing their best to destroy "The Star Spangled Banner." Jazz games. Real Salt Lake games. College games. High school games. It's embarrassing for the singers and aggravating for the fans.
Stop it. Stop it now.
Watch Aguilera's performance to see what not to do. Tap your foot if you have to so you have tempo. And, at all costs, resist the urge to try to prove what a wonderful voice you have with vocal gymnastics.
You don't want to be Christina Aguilera.