Reba McEntire’s Super Bowl National Anthem Made Us Miss Whitney Houston
By [Your Name]
Published: Feb. 11, 2024, 11:46 p.m. ET
Music
There are countless moments when, like millions around the world, we can’t help but reminisce about the incomparable Whitney Houston. Each time we hear someone on shows like “American Idol” or “The Voice” bravely attempt to sing her iconic songs, it reminds us of her timeless talent. Nor can we help but join in when “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” plays at a bar or club, witnessing people of different generations, gender, and sexual orientation dancing and singing with passion.
However, the memory of Whitney Houston usually overwhelms us every time someone steps up to the microphone to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Super Bowl. Since that fateful day on Feb. 12, 1991, nobody has ever performed the national anthem quite like the way Whitney did. It’s almost like she made the anthem her own, transforming it into a masterpiece.
On the 12th anniversary of Whitney Houston’s untimely passing, Reba McEntire took on the challenging task of living up to the monumental memory Houston left behind. Sadly, although McEntire gave a commendable performance, it just wasn’t as transcendent as Houston’s rendition. On a day when we longed for some heavenly inspiration, we could not help but wish that Houston herself had blessed us from above.
Reba McEntire performs the national anthem during pre-game ceremonies at the start of Super Bowl LVIII. Photo: JOHN G MABANGLO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
It’s worth noting that over the years, several artists, including Luther Vandross, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga, have attempted to honor Houston by delivering breathtaking national anthem performances at the Super Bowl. They have undoubtedly done Houston proud since 1991.
Post Malone’s rendition of “America the Beautiful,” on the other hand, was far from Houston’s standard. It’s safe to say that Malone wouldn’t win any singing competitions based on that performance.
Whitney Houston sings the National Anthem before Super Bowl XXV at Tampa Stadium. Photo: Getty Images
However, Andra Day, the singer behind the beautiful anthem “Rise Up,” managed to capture some of Houston’s gospel and jazz vibes while singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” on this highly significant evening. Although Day’s voice may not possess the same power as Houston’s, how could anyone compare to the diva’s peak vocal prowess?
On this day, as we remember the remarkable Whitney Houston and her enduring legacy, we have to be satisfied with Day’s heartfelt homage to the Greatest Voice of All.
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