Critic's Notebook

Kelly Clarkson Nails Super Bowl 2012 National Anthem

It's safe to say that Kelly Clarkson nailed her performance of the national anthem at Super Bowl XLVI last night. Largely a low-scoring, defensive affair between the New York Giants and New England Patriots, the game's fireworks came towards the end of regulation. Clarkson's rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner"...
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It’s safe to say that Kelly Clarkson nailed her performance of the national anthem at Super Bowl XLVI last night.

Largely a low-scoring, defensive affair between the New York Giants and New England Patriots, the game’s fireworks came towards the end of regulation. Clarkson’s rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” was structured the same way.

Last week we predicted that she would avoid any lyrical flubs and strive for a safe and accurate showing.

For the first part of the song, Clarkson was pitch perfect hitting all the marks in getting the words right, but sparred any soaring vocal bravado. The Indianapolis Children’s Choir sweetly backed the American Idol alum until she finally flexed her singing prowess opening up with the, “rockets’ red glare” line.

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At first it looked like Clarkson would make good on our prediction and deliver an OK-but underwhelming-performance. In the end she provided just enough flare for an approval from Up on the Sun to earn a “nailed it” nod.

Check it out for yourself and chime in. Do you think Kelly Clarkson did the anthem justice?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCf1fZXrfaw

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