In America they take their anthem very seriously. Not only that, but it seems they love to get a celebrity to sing it at big events - each of which tend to put their own spin on the well known theme. Some have pulled it off very well - take Whitney Houston's effort at the 1991 Super Bowl. Quite brilliant.
But for every Whitney, there is a Rosanne Barr (who seems like she wanted to piss off a nation and is thoroughly enjoying it) or a Carl Lewis, who must win the award for worst live performance of anything, anywhere of all time.
But for sheer embarrassment and slapstick, it takes a lot to beat this poor woman...
Personally, I prefer it when they have a live band and let the crowd do the singing, rather than some opera singer adding a load of whoas and yeahs to preceding. Unfortunately, the Brits are following the American's lead on this one and we now have to put up with dreadful human beings like Leslie Garratt warble her way through God Save the Queen. Ah well, at least they don't let famous athletes cock it up... yet.
Labels: James G