Yet another non-hockey post.
On Sunday, just before the start of the US Open Mens' Final match between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, the crowd was subjected to Liza Minnelli singing "God Bless America". I suppose they did that because of the anniversary of 9/11 coming up in a couple of days. I don't know.
Was anyone else disgusted? First of all, Ms Minnelli herself is kind of an eyesore. Aside from that, I'm not sure what she was wearing. Were those clothes? And the headband? Who does she think she is? Olivia Newton-John? The only reward is that one can't help but think of her Arrested Development character, Lucille II.
That's actually not the bulk of my complaint. If you're going to sing "God Bless America", you should sing the damn song in its entirety. She picked up, as most people do, at the second verse. The first verse, or the prelude, or whatever you want to call it, is kinda what makes the song. True, it's a bit awkward, but without it, I don't think the song is as powerful.
That's not even the worst. I was completely dumbstruck when she broadway'ed it the second time through. Yes, Liza. We remember that you were the star of Cabaret, but that was 35 years ago and it's time to let go.
I just don't like it when people make a theatrical production out of singing the national anthem or "God Bless America". It's not supposed to be about the performer. It's supposed to be about the song.
I'm picky like that.
On a related note that actually has something to do with hockey, Holly Wilver will no longer be a part of the Storm Squad. Presumably, this means that she will no longer be singing the national anthem(s) at Canes games. I've never been a fan of her or her singing, so I'm a bit relieved. I don't think the little girl is the answer, but they need someone to do it and do it well. Have I ever mentioned that I miss Karen Tulloss?
Later this week, I plan to write about hockey.
Posts
3 comments:
.I cannot believe you thought this was bad in anyway. I found it touching and apprapro for the time of the year. She lifted spirits of many New Yorkers as this is a week of many bad memories. Talk about Britney Spears. Now Thats DISGUSTING for any performer to appear that way
Why do we need to have 'patriotic' songs before any sporting event, especially something as schlocky as "God Bless America"
Really, this is an unnecessary tradition and needs to be stopped
Karen Tulloss is now Karen Pahl and would absolutely love to perform the National Anthem for the Hurricanes.
She misses being on the ice too
Post a Comment