k’s Analysis: Faith Hill, Jennifer Hudson At The Super Bowl
Okay, in a word…NOOOOOOOOOO.
First of all…I don’t have anything personally against Faith Hill, I just don’t care for her singing. And have I ever mentioned how I hate it when people sing, “Gaaaaaaawd blessssssssss [big breath] HUH-Merrrica…” Listen, sweetheart, it’s a patriotic song, not your next single. It isn’t about you, so save the vocal gymnastics for the albums.
And speaking of vocal gymnastics…I think it is at this point I am supposed to say how much I loved Jennifer Hudson’s version of our National Anthem. But, sorry…I just can’t.
Before everyone starts in on me, let me clarify…I like Jennifer. I think she’s a beautiful girl with a lovely voice. And I think it took a lot of personal courage and strength to get up there and sing tonight. I’m sure she was thinking of her murdered mother, brother, and nephew while she was up there. I admire her for doing what she did, and I wish her nothing but the best.
But one of my personal pet peeves is when singers butcher our National Anthem. I just can’t stand it. It isn’t supposed to be a bluesy, R&B-inspired song. It isn’t a showcase for vocal stylings and runs up and down the scale. That doesn’t show patriotism or feeling or passion, it just shows that you know your scales and can hit high notes. It’s supposed to be a reverential moment to honor our country and those who have fought and died for our freedoms. Again, save the vocal gymnastics for the love songs. (But Kat DeLuna is the worst in recent memory, IMO…at least Jennifer can sing, and at least she wasn’t trying to be all sexay thang, for which she has my everlasting gratitude)
[Just my personal opinions, not anyone else's here]
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The National Anthem.
I couldn’t agree more. You’re correct, the *singers* think its all about them and they try to showcase their *talent* [voice] by switching up the National Anthem which to me is always an epic failure when attempted.
Comment by Jane — February 1, 2009 @ 8:45 pm
I thought it was beautiful. Every performer that has ever sang the National Anthem during the past super bowls has added there own personal style. I thought she did a beautiful job, especially considering what she has been through in the last few months. One of the best super bowl performances I have seen.
Comment by Kimi — February 2, 2009 @ 8:15 am
Ugh. Faith Hill. I’m sure she’s a nice person and everything, but I cannot STAND that “I CAN SCREAM IN KEY!” style of singing.
Comment by Emily — February 2, 2009 @ 2:23 pm
That’s why you’re missing the point, Kimi. When someone sings the National Anthem, the focus should NOT be on them, but on the words and the emotions. There should be no “personal style”. You should feel uplifted, patriotic, and proud. You should think, “I feel proud to be an American,” not, “Wow, Jennifer sang well.”
And I pointed out that I like Jennifer and I thought it took a lot of strength to get back up on a stage and sing anything. That does not mean, however, that I automatically loved her rendition. The two things do not automatically go together.
Comment by k — February 2, 2009 @ 10:37 pm
What about the lip-sync of Jennifer Hudson, thats even worse IMHO!
Comment by L — February 3, 2009 @ 4:09 am
Emily: Totally agree. I blame Mariah Carey. I have no idea if she’s actually to blame, but it sounds good.
Comment by k — February 3, 2009 @ 10:27 am
I had no idea how talented Jennifer Hudson is until i heard her sing the National Anthem (lip synched? oh well…)
Comment by coffee — February 4, 2009 @ 4:24 am
lip-synched…….whatever!! don’t u think at some point she had to sing it for real to lip-synche! Real or memorex same person! duh
Comment by Cia — February 5, 2009 @ 6:22 pm
real or memorex same person. Duh!
Comment by Cia — February 5, 2009 @ 6:23 pm