Many of us look forward to hearing the national anthem played during sporting events. It’s always intriguing to see who’ll be the voice behind it too—especially during key games when celebrities are typically brought in.
When country music singer Keith Urban went onto the ice during the Western Conference playoffs, 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 large heart
Keith Urban has won four Grammy Awards and has made a good living as a country music artist. In addition to being an American Idol judge and a coach on The Voice Australia, he is well known for his philanthropic endeavors.
Urban was born in New Zealand but now resides 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 seen a lot of great performances at their team’s games. The ice rink has been filled with many lovely interpretations of the national anthem, from Carrie Underwood to Vince Gill.
The Nashville Predators were slated to face the Anaheim Ducks at Bridgestone Arena when Urban was named as the singer who will perform the national anthem that evening.
It was Urban’s first time performing the “Star-Spangled Banner” on an occasion.
As Keith Urban walks into the rink and takes his place in front of the mic, the crowd cheers loudly. He was, of course, dressed in a yellow Predators jersey with his name on the back.
When the audience fell silent, Urban began singing the national anthem with his unique country twist. His voice fills the room, getting stronger as his performance progresses.
As he gets to the patriotic words, “Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner still wave?” The crowd can’t help but applaud. They also explode when Urban sings and closes the song with a bang.
“O’er the free nation and the home of the brave?”
Several musicians have performed the Star-Spangled Banner throughout the years, but Urban’s performance 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.
The whole event meant a lot to Keith Urban.
Urban talked with NHL Network’s Jon Morosi after his turn on the ice. He expressed his gratitude for being picked as the night’s vocalist.
“In my 25 years in America, I’ve never been requested to perform the national song.” It was an honor to accomplish it for the Predators here in Nashville.
He also informed Morosi:
“It’s a nerve-wracking experience, but above all, it’s a big honor. For me, it was one of the proudest moments of my life in all the years I’ve lived here.”
“That was one of the proudest days of my life.”
After performing the National Anthem before Game 3, @KeithUrban chatted with @JonMorosi.
May 17, 2017 — NHL Network (@NHLNetwork)
Many viewers have commented on how much they appreciated Urban’s performance. Someone wrote:
“Keith did an excellent job. It’s fantastic to see some of Nashville’s most prominent singers contributing to hockey!”
Another person added:
“Simple and completely lovely.” Sold, sold, sold!”
Keith Urban’s rendition of the national anthem can be seen here!