Many of us look forward to hearing the national anthem played at sporting events. It’s always exciting to see who will be the voice behind it, especially during major sporting events where celebrities are frequently brought in.
When country music star Keith Urban walked onto the ice during the Western Conference finals, fans were in for a treat. His rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” has the internet in stitches.
a man with tremendous talent and a big heart.
Keith Urban is a four-time Grammy Award winner who has established a great career in country music. In addition to being an American Idol judge and a coach on The Voice Australia, he is well known for his humanitarian work.
Urban was born in New Zealand but holds dual citizenship in the United States. Since 2006, he has been married to his lovely wife, actress Nicole Kidman.
It’s a fantastic way to start the game.
Fans of the Nashville Predators have witnessed many memorable performances while attending their team’s games. The ice arena has been filled with several beautiful versions of the national anthem, from Carrie Underwood to Vince Gill.
The Nashville Predators were set to play the Anaheim Ducks at Bridgestone Arena when Urban was announced as the musician who would perform the national anthem that evening.
It was Urban’s first time performing the “Star-Spangled Banner” at an event.
The crowd erupts in applause as Keith Urban reaches the rink and takes his place in front of the microphone. He was, of course, dressed in a yellow Predators jersey with his name on the back.
As the arena fell silent, Urban began singing the national anthem with his own country twist. His voice fills the room, becoming more mighty as his performance progresses.
The audience can’t help but cheer when he reaches the patriotic lyrics: “Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner still wave?” They also erupt when Urban sings, “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?” at the end of the song.
Many musicians have performed the Star-Spangled Banner over the years, but Urban’s rendition is one that hits you right in the heart. just like when the high school wrestler sang it or when the football player’s performance went viral.
Keith Urban was moved by the entire experience.
Urban spoke with NHL Network’s Jon Morosi after his appearance on the ice. He expressed his gratitude for being chosen as the night’s singer.
“In my 25 years in America, I’ve never been asked to sing the national anthem. It was an honor to do it for the Predators here in Nashville.”
“It’s a nerve-wracking feeling, but above all, it’s a huge honor,” he told Morosi. “For me, it was one of the proudest moments of my life in all the years I’ve lived here.”
“It was one of the proudest moments of my life.”
After singing the National Anthem before Game 3, @KeithUrban spoke with @JonMorosi.
May 17, 2017 — NHL Network (@NHLNetwork)
Even listeners have commented on how much they enjoyed Urban’s performance. “Well done, Keith,” one person said. “It’s fantastic to see some of Nashville’s most popular singers donate to hockey!”
“Simple and utterly beautiful,” said another. “Sold, sold, sold!”