The National Anthem - The best and the worst of it.

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I rarely watch football or many sports, so I usually run across the singing of the United States national anthem when someone uploads it. I am moved when I hear it, especially when the singer puts there heart into it. National pride is a great thing and when the anthem is sung with emotion it is quite a moving experience. My personal favorite version is the one that was done by Cher at the Superbowl in 1991. I will admit I admire and respect Cher, not only for her talent but for who she is. She has always been a role model for being comfortable in your skin, and as a female she shows others that you do not have to concern yourself with others' opinions. How I missed this version for so long is beyond me...oh yeah, it was during a football game. Aside from the impeccable job she did in execution of the song, you could see she was both proud and humbled to perform it. A huge star, an icon with humility. If you haven't seen it, look it up. The worse part of the national anthem is many think it is a singing competition. I can tell from comments on videos that there are either haters or die hard fans of a particular performer. To me the fact it was Cher was a bonus...the real gift was the delivery and emotion. I love Whitney Houston, regardless of any personal comments some may make, she will always be one of America's most treasured and gifted performers. As to the anthem though, I had to go with the overall feeling that I got from the performance. Do you get moved when you hear your national anthem? I have seen Olympians cry, people of strength and prowess. I also wonder about others favorite performances and what really makes the performance of this particular piece so personal to them.