Singers who "interpret" the national anthem ...

Near the top of the list in the pantheon of things that tick me off are singers at sporting events that feel compelled to make our national anthem “their own.”

Now, to be honest, I’d prefer our national anthem to be “America the Beautiful” rather than “The Star- Spangled Banner.” The former is a beautiful, inspiring piece of music; the latter is very difficult to sing and a rework of a one-popular British song with newer lyrics.   

Maybe “America the Beautiful” is too politically incorrect. It does have a line that “God shed his grace on thee.” Still, I much prefer it because it speaks to the goodness of America rather than to a flag that prevailed during a bombardment.

Anyway, back to the original topic.

What is it with singers at major sporting events?  “The Star-Spangled Banner” is a fairly straightforward piece.  Sure, it’s not the easiest song to sing, but there’s no need to interject extended phrasing, or warbling, to prove that a singer can not only hit all the highs and lows, but can also add flourishes of their own to demonstrate their talent, creativity and unique vocal range.

Hey, for better or worse it’s our national anthem, not an audition.   

It doesn’t seem to matter which part of the music industry the singer comes from – hip-hop, pop, country or whatever – they all appear to want to show off, much to the absolute boredom and impatience of thousands of people who just want the event to begin. The singers may think they are adding something new – a bit of personal expression – but most everybody else in the stadium or at home watching TV simply wants them to get on with it.  

In short, just sing the national anthem. If we’re there we’ll stand up.  Some of us will sing along if we can. Wrap it up. Get off stage. And let’s get the game started.

Pretty simple, huh?

But nooooo.  We have to put up with “star of stage, screen and winner of Grammy Awards” whoever dragging out their “interpretation” of “The Star-Spangled Banner” as long as possible. I actually cringe whenever I see some solo “star” heading out to sing the national anthem; I just know what’s going to happen, and I’m rarely wrong.   

It’s such a joke anymore that one of the big “prop bets” for major sporting events is how long it will take the designated “here to sing our national anthem” performer to finish.

Playing the “Star-Spangled Banner” before the start of a sporting event is a good thing.  Especially by a good marching band.  It’s patriotic, and often quite moving. 

But I think I speak for millions of other Americans when I say I could easily do without all the other self-indulgent interpretations designed to bring “star power” to our national anthem.   

It doesn’t need it.