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.
