Christina Aguilera’s Super Bowl National Anthem Fumble: Another Reminder It’s Not All About You

Singer’s bombastic, ridiculous performance a reminder that the song isn’t all about the singer

Words matter.

Christina Aguilera’s lyrical missteps in her pre-Super Bowl rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” wouldn’t have been nearly as embarrassing if she hadn’t gone so over-the-top in her multi-syllabic runs through single vowel sounds.

The approach is a favorite tactic of singers, like Aguilera, who sometimes seem determined to make every song about them — even the national anthem. While focusing on stretching and manipulating every note, she fudged the song’s lyrics — missing the bit about the ramparts altogether.

The lesson for singers? You’re there in the service of the song, not the other way around. Have a little humility.

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