Who should I react to next: www.maggierenee.com/book-me/sponsor-a-reaction-live What should I sing next: www.maggierenee.com/book-me/sponsor-a-song-live And just for you: ‘Sing Better Instantly" my FREE Singing Course: skl.sh/3aHdSuy and for EXCLUSIVE VIDEOS AND PERKS: www.patreon.com/MaggieRenee
Hi there! This is my first comment , I love your reaction and for this comment could you please react to “Princess of Egypt” medley by Voctave? I really expect to see your react to Voctave for next uploading as well😅😍😍
That's literally how the sheet music has always been written. It literally says pp (pianissimo) right there and ff (fortissimo) just at the "and the rocket's red glare" part. Bands and orchestras of all strips play it that way.
This wasn't an operatic performance so why are we analyzing this like it was an operatic performance? This was an absolute master class. It made us all feel proud to be American. Whitney was an absolute gift from the gods -- her power and grace will simply never be matched.
I think maybe because this channel is “opera singer reacts”. I thinks this is the stick of this channel.For patriot reacts to Mariah go to that channel
Believe it or not, this is the first time that I heard Whitney Houston sing the national anthem. With all the hoopla surrounding this, I thought maybe it was overstated. I was wrong!!! This is the best rendition of the national anthem I've ever heard
Hi! Do you do reactions? Or for your leisure, check out American vocalist Rachelle Ferrell "I Can Explain (live) at the Vienne Roman Theatre in France. She's often compared with Whitney, Minnie Riperton, Mariah and others
Thank you! Maggie bumped her head on this one trying to accuse Whitney of not having technical skill or vocal maturity at this time. Her choices were intentional and amazing.
@@mintefresh6608Absolutely 100% agree! Whitney knew EXACTLY what she was doing. She knew how to touch our hearts & patriotism especially with what was happening in the country at the time!!! Maggie also cracks me up stating Whitney sounded like Jennifer Hudson, mark 10:07. She got that so backwards my jaw dropped 😮 Maggie, JHud learned & emulates “Whitney” not the other way around 😅 Just as you saw & heard things you admired & said you’d use in Whitney’s rendition such was the same for JHud. Have great day all!!
MAGGIE she is STORY TELLING. The song is full of story. She is pulling people into the story of the song. It's an anthem not an opera song to belt. She knew when to pull back, then blow our minds with her chest belt. Should she have belted the entire thing in chest voice?
Totally agree! I feel like it was a way to draw us in with an emotional feeling of soft tenderness and care then surprise us with the belt afterwards to remind us of that hope and morale we need which the soldiers would've definitely needed for the war when they were watching at the time!
Yes, I was a little thrown off of her light criticism of that particular section. Whitney changed her voice to a softer whispery style to match this string heavy part of this arrangement. Whitney was mirroring the orchestra and it was a perfect choice. M.R. seemed a little confused throughout the video with Whitney’s slight and classy rendition. Whitney’s style was just a jazz style where all these nuisances are very common and Whitney just nailed it to the point where many are saying her rendition should be the official Stars and Stripes version for the country.
Whitney was a very intentional singer. She did things to show a dynamic contrast. Her voice was fully developed at that time, so the contrasting vocal choices, was to take us on a journey. She was a full singer, nothing lacking.
I feel like the softness part was her showing dynamics and a way to draw us in with an emotional feeling approach of soft tenderness and motherly care to let us know "its going to be ok" then surprise us with the belt afterwards to remind us of that hope and morale we need which the soldiers would've definitely needed for the war when they were watching at the time!
Interesting that you were shocked that she didn't just belt the whole song. It's obvious that it very deliberate and it's very effective in that it makes you truly listen to those words in that passage. It's the calm before the storm.
You say not even I can do that like you're a better singer the THE GREATEST VOCALIST OF ALL TIME..... THE WAY SHE SANG THIS IT ABSOLUTELY PERFECT And no changes could ever make it better
I usually agree with the things you say but you were way off on this one. Whitney Houston’s rendition of the national anthem is the best ever performed at a sporting event and quite possibly anywhere ever.
Her backing off was deliberate...not a mistake at all. Look at the lyrics and what is being sung about. She was not saving stamina. And the rockets red glare was 1000x more powerful. Oh no, it was not a deficiency, it was a masterclass in phrasing.
Opera singer Leontyne Price and Whitney Houston are cousins. I can see how Whitney has that operatic head voice. Talent just FLOWS throughout her family.🎯🎯🎶🎶
She was only 27yo in Jan of 1991 but sang the anthem like a veteran. The greatest rendition of the national anthem. That is why Whitney is the GOAT voice. RIP Nippy and Krissi!!!
Not only is this one of my favorite vocal performances of the anthem, it's one of my favorite arrangements as well. So many well thought-out chord changes and such dynamic tension. I don't think her pulling back was to save her stamina for the later belting section. It was her and the arrangers choice because it matches what the orchestra does perfectly. This was well-planned and rehearsed.
To me her softening and pulling back at "Whose broad stripes..." was clearly a stylistic and interpretive choice lending drama, emotion, and beauty to a song that is usually sung by rote for most American's. It also helps the many that actually don't know the lyric hear the words, which a large amount of the American public clearly don't. The dynamic change at "And the rockets red glare" was again, a stylistic and interpretive choice making the phrase as loud, bombastic and explosive as the rockets.
@@HoopCITY76 A gross oversimplification. Where did she pull back on "I'm Your Baby Tonight", "I Wanna Dance With Somebody", "How Will I Know", "I'm Every Woman" and a host of others? Again, "pulling back" is a stylistic, interpretive choice made by many singers in ballads a thousand years for exactly these reasons.
Rickey Minor admitted that they purposedly changed the tempo of the anthem from it's "norm" of a 4/4 tempo down to a 3/4 tempo so she could hold out some of the words. And you know you are the GOAT when you not hit the Billboard Hot 100 Chart once BUT TWICE. It originally peaked at #20 after this aired on January 25th, 1991 (exactly one month before I went to boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois for the US Navy). After the 9/11 attacks, they re-released it and it actually hit the TOP TEN (this time peaking at #6). She donated every penny from the sales of the anthem to charity. When I was being bullied in the mid 1980s as a pre-teen/teenager for being gay (I had no clue what that meant when it first started in January 1983 and I was only 11 years old) and I tried to kill myself three times, thankfully the one thing I was unsuccessful at, two things got me through those years. The unconditional love from my mom and the music of Whitney Houston. I fell in love with her from the first time I heard "You Give Good Love" in the spring of 1985. Whitney would die exactly 8 months after my mom passed away (June 12th, 2011 and February 12th, 2012) and those two days/nights, I cried my eyes out. Though I never met her, I hope she now knows how much that voice and her stunning beauty helped me through the darkest years of my life and that I will always love her for that.
Every time I see this video, it makes me teary eyed for so many reasons. Mainly because she sang it so beautifully and because she tragically died way too soon.
Ricky Minor, the legendary arranger of this performance stated, he just handed her the music and she sat in a corner with it, then knew exactly how she was going to do it. The sound of the arrangement, very Black American classic jazzy way. She knew how to sing it! All choices by her. Even her look- a break from the gowns & diva swag for white tracksuit & headband. Her Choices. ICONICLegend shit- none of the rules apply
Maggie I was watching this live in a little corner cafe in Dangriga, Belize CA . We were young and President H. W. Bush had cathered nations around the world to get Sadam Hussien out of Kuwait, right or not. But we were young and innocent and our country was at war. The emotion that she put into that song matched the pride of our nation and the anxiety of what was to come. Unless you were there and felt the mood of the nation and world it woudln't touch you the way that it did me and others. I had tears rolling down my cheecks, sitting in a cafe in a foreign nation and so proud to be an American.
I think that her choices made it even more dramatic and moving than just belting out the entire thing the way we all know she could have. There will never be another version that comes close to Whitney’s. Although Meatloaf and Chris Stapleton are runners up, it’s by a lot. This was perfection.
She sounds like Gods gift to us. Her tone is angelic, her vibrato is awe inspiring and her crescendo then decresendo is breathtaking. Thank you, Whitney- The Voice!
It's my all-time favorite. We were at war at this time. Whitney sang this anthem better than anyone. Ever. This was actually released as a single, and it became a number one hit.
It was perfect. She's not trying to sing opera. She's planning to keep it calm till the last part to make a big finish! Makes more of an impact! Awesome!!!
What are you talking about?! She knows what she is doing! All the variations she does, the soft and the held back parts she does them because she wants to give a different tone color and a lot more sentiment in the national anthem, and not because she can't give more power in that part! And that's what makes it the best version of all !!! It gives me goosebumps everytime I hear it and I'm not even American! After all she is the VOICE!
Whitney was the queen of dynamics. Nothing strange about it. Something a great singer understands. She goes quiet on purpose and that's what adds so much beauty to the song. Almost a Disney moment.
Whitney's ability to use dynamics for effect is just legendary. Whitney created moments and experiences with her singing. Impossible to replicate her. A lot of singers who have nice voices sing well, but they're honestly just singing well. Whitney's voice moved you, made the hair stand up on your neck, could cause you to shiver. I think the only other person that comes to mind was Luther Vandross. In terms of opera singers, one that comes to mind was Leotyne Price. I probably misspelled that.
Just to add a little context: This was just after the start of Operation Desert Storm. Much of the patriotism you see in the crowd is in support of the troops having just been sent to the Middle East. The country needed an encouraging boost at that particular time and Whitney delivered exactly that. Watching it live was captivating. Chris Stapleton’s is a close second but this is still The Best!
With all do respect. Whitney lips and jaws always quivered. That was her natural style. I grew up in her era and she effortlessly belted that song. I'm lost with why it was critiqued by someone who is an opera singer. Whitney always did her own style as a lot of people who sing the star spangled banner based on their culture and nothing else. But many.....many people should not even think of touching Whitney's style of singing as to why this or that. Period. I j s
Lots of unique vocal choices. Normally I don’t like people altering this. However, hers is the best version sung so far. It is not an easy song to sing.
Whitney's version of this song was released as a single due to popular demand. The release peaked at #20 in 1991 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart. It was re-released after the 9/11 attacks in 2001 and peaked at #6. Both were the highest that any version of the national anthem had ever been on the pop charts, before.
Actually it’s not. However Whitney’s is the only one that made it on the charts TWICE. The first time The National Anthem appeared on the Billboard charts was back in 1968, sung by Jose Feliciano. Whitney’s rendition first appeared in March 1991 at #32 and peaked at #20 and the second time it appeared after 9/11 and peaked at #6 on the charts. Although Whitney is THE GREATEST VOCALIST OF ALL TIME she was not the first to have her rendition of The National Anthem enter the billboard charts. So far no other rendition since hers has been on the charts.
@@jobuck879 OP: _"to ever reach the _*_Top 40_*_ on Billboard's Hot 100"_ You: _"Actually it’s not ... Jose Feliciano"_ History: Jose Feliciano's rendition reached *#50,* which is still very admirable and an excellent rendition. However, *#50* is not within *Top 40,* as stated by @isandervelaquez7072
Whitney Elizabeth Houston aka The Voice of all Voices set the standard for the National Anthem I heard just about every singer in every Genre perform the Anthem but nothing comes close RIP Queen
She was telling the story from a point of war when it was written. She was softer during certain lines as if the soldiers were lying in wait , soft and quiet to not make their presence aware to the British. She imagined herself being in the midst of the war at certain parts when they required stealthiness and when they required bravado to charge the enemy when they saw our flag still stood . It is called telling a story in recreation through imagination. The anticipation of fighting the enemy and the timing of orders given by command. She envisioned this song from the aspect of several sides of those who were in the background as support to those who were on the front lines so it wasn't her not being trained or inadequate breathing. She told the story from the point of the slaves who fought by the white man's side. The infirmary doctors and nurses . The wounded soldiers. The munitions soldiers and the innocent who bear witness to the brutality and survival of a birthing nation.
She was inspired by Marvin Gaye's version of the national anthem. She liked the slower pace and wanted to be able to take her time throughout the song. Whitney was a genius and knew how to expertly arrange songs to deliver the most impact. David Foster said that her vocal arrangements were better than his 90% of the time.
This is one of the best (if not THE best) renditions and a part of it is you're right she's technically superior but looks like she's not even TRYING. She's smiling, adding riffs, opting UP on THAT note? She just CRUSHES it and you just get a sense that she's not even using 50% of her talent.
What a perfectly detailed comment 😮 Most screech or adding & oversinging riffs and runs b'se they can't sing flatfooted straight forward in full voice 😂 No wonder Whitney is monikered The VOICE 👑❤️
I recall at the time, she had said she wanted her rendition to be jazzy. There are subtle harmonic changes throughout, and she is responsible for that. The changes that she made in intonation and harmonics are really what makes this so unique and beautiful. 30 years after my first hearing. It still sends shivers up and down my spine.
Those moments that she went soft serve to draw you in, and make it feel more intimate. Whitney has sung opera with Pavarotti at Carnegie Hall in 1994, for a benefit concert for the rainforest.
8:56 Whitney gained fame from the r & b music that catapulted her to a certain range music, including ballads. However, she grew up in the church and so what you are hearing Maggie are the dynamics rooted (in part) from that genre. She also loved to interact with the crowd and this was a way to have them to intently listen even though most people knew the words. She was demonstrating her superior vocal dynamic control to let people know that yes she was young and certainly on the scene front and center, but was on top of her game. This was Whitney at her superiorly dynamic best.
It's called dynamics and Jennifer Hudson was a baby when she sounded like this clearly Jennifer learned that from her not the other way around. Jennifer mimics Whitney at times
No idea why you think the quiet part in the middle was a mistake or odd at all. That's literally how it's written and performed (especially by orchestras, one of which she was singing with). It's suddenly piano right there so that the next part where she belts out "and the rocket's red glare!" is more impactful.
It was decided to have her record her singing this ahead of time out of concern that the quality of the sound would be compromised by the sounds from the crowd being picked up by the microphone. That's one reason why she looks so relaxed, & making it look so easy.
Whitney Houston - one moment in time - live grammy performance 1989. I think in that performance you can really hear all of her vocal capabilities. It's one of the best performances ever. Check it out.
A proper song for Memorial Day in the US, done so well by Whitney. (We miss you, girl) Great detailed analysis, Maggie. I learn a lot on your channel here on YT and on Twitch.
Who should I react to next: www.maggierenee.com/book-me/sponsor-a-reaction-live What should I sing next: www.maggierenee.com/book-me/sponsor-a-song-live And just for you: ‘Sing Better Instantly" my FREE Singing Course: skl.sh/3aHdSuy and for EXCLUSIVE VIDEOS AND PERKS: www.patreon.com/MaggieRenee
Por favor Reina Reacciona a Gabriel Henrique cover de Maria Carey y celin Dion. WHITNEY HOUSTON. gracias bella ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Hi there! This is my first comment , I love your reaction and for this comment could you please react to “Princess of Egypt” medley by Voctave?
I really expect to see your react to Voctave for next uploading as well😅😍😍
You should react to Elvis Presley, how great thou art , live . His voice is unbelievable
I Have Nothing
She chose to sing it that way because she understands dynamics, that is what made her the great singer she is and was.
Exactly! That is what makes a good singer. Not everything is technical.
Exactly she knew what she was doing!
And yet, dynamics ARE technical, too!@@cantorcarmen
As an amateur vocalist, I completely agree Whitney was using different dynamic approaches for dramatic purposes...
That's literally how the sheet music has always been written. It literally says pp (pianissimo) right there and ff (fortissimo) just at the "and the rocket's red glare" part. Bands and orchestras of all strips play it that way.
This wasn't an operatic performance so why are we analyzing this like it was an operatic performance? This was an absolute master class. It made us all feel proud to be American. Whitney was an absolute gift from the gods -- her power and grace will simply never be matched.
I think maybe because this channel is “opera singer reacts”. I thinks this is the stick of this channel.For patriot reacts to Mariah go to that channel
@@urielpolak9949 Maggie, did you write this or just agree with it? It's "schtick" by the way. Her rendition was beautiful.
Believe it or not, this is the first time that I heard Whitney Houston sing the national anthem. With all the hoopla surrounding this, I thought maybe it was overstated. I was wrong!!! This is the best rendition of the national anthem I've ever heard
Listen I'm a voice teacher also. She goes quiet because it is beautiful. She's sang this absolutely perfectly!
Hi! Do you do reactions? Or for your leisure, check out American vocalist Rachelle Ferrell "I Can Explain (live) at the Vienne Roman Theatre in France. She's often compared with Whitney, Minnie Riperton, Mariah and others
I think the channel reactor just has the training. I'm not sure there is a correct way to do it only an instructors opinion.
Thank you! Maggie bumped her head on this one trying to accuse Whitney of not having technical skill or vocal maturity at this time. Her choices were intentional and amazing.
@@mintefresh6608Absolutely 100% agree! Whitney knew EXACTLY what she was doing. She knew how to touch our hearts & patriotism especially with what was happening in the country at the time!!!
Maggie also cracks me up stating Whitney sounded like Jennifer Hudson, mark 10:07. She got that so backwards my jaw dropped 😮 Maggie, JHud learned & emulates “Whitney” not the other way around 😅 Just as you saw & heard things you admired & said you’d use in Whitney’s rendition such was the same for JHud. Have great day all!!
MAGGIE she is STORY TELLING. The song is full of story. She is pulling people into the story of the song. It's an anthem not an opera song to belt. She knew when to pull back, then blow our minds with her chest belt. Should she have belted the entire thing in chest voice?
whitney doesnt need rules she is the voice
exactly she needs no rules
I feel her pulling back is more of a choice of dynamics rather than her voice not being fully matured. She was perfect in not overdoing runs etc.
I agree
Totally agree! I feel like it was a way to draw us in with an emotional feeling of soft tenderness and care then surprise us with the belt afterwards to remind us of that hope and morale we need which the soldiers would've definitely needed for the war when they were watching at the time!
Yeah, not doing it the standard way made it so much more interesting, expressive, and creative.
Yes, I was a little thrown off of her light criticism of that particular section. Whitney changed her voice to a softer whispery style to match this string heavy part of this arrangement. Whitney was mirroring the orchestra and it was a perfect choice. M.R. seemed a little confused throughout the video with Whitney’s slight and classy rendition. Whitney’s style was just a jazz style where all these nuisances are very common and Whitney just nailed it to the point where many are saying her rendition should be the official Stars and Stripes version for the country.
Her first album came out when she was 19, right? She'd been maturing all her dang career!
Whitney Houston is a natural. None of the rules apply she was singing like this as a child every Sunday. All her moves were artistic.
I was Active Army at the time - this still brings me to tears.
Whitney was a very intentional singer. She did things to show a dynamic contrast. Her voice was fully developed at that time, so the contrasting vocal choices, was to take us on a journey. She was a full singer, nothing lacking.
I feel like the softness part was her showing dynamics and a way to draw us in with an emotional feeling approach of soft tenderness and motherly care to let us know "its going to be ok" then surprise us with the belt afterwards to remind us of that hope and morale we need which the soldiers would've definitely needed for the war when they were watching at the time!
Interesting that you were shocked that she didn't just belt the whole song. It's obvious that it very deliberate and it's very effective in that it makes you truly listen to those words in that passage. It's the calm before the storm.
Whitney Houston was, and always will be, the greatest singer of all time. Her power, range, control and (apparent) effortless is unmatched.
The orchestra arrangement was specifically done to accomodate Whitney's way that she would sing the anthem for this occassion. Look it up, Maggie.
There’s no opera singer touching Whitney.
I have never heard the anthem sung better.
This was a masterpiece. She knew exactly what to do and those quieter sections was outstanding and patriotic
You say not even I can do that like you're a better singer the THE GREATEST VOCALIST OF ALL TIME..... THE WAY SHE SANG THIS IT ABSOLUTELY PERFECT And no changes could ever make it better
I was like girl????
I usually agree with the things you say but you were way off on this one. Whitney Houston’s rendition of the national anthem is the best ever performed at a sporting event and quite possibly anywhere ever.
She’s a hater In my opinion
ALL CAPS IS NOT AN ARGUMENT AND MAKES YOU SOUND BUTTHURT OR UNHINGED
Ms. Houston loved her country and she paid homage to this nation because she believed in it, hence, the power and passion she expressed was from love.
She sang it like she was singing from heaven.
Her backing off was deliberate...not a mistake at all. Look at the lyrics and what is being sung about. She was not saving stamina. And the rockets red glare was 1000x more powerful. Oh no, it was not a deficiency, it was a masterclass in phrasing.
Opera singer Leontyne Price and Whitney Houston are cousins. I can see how Whitney has that operatic head voice.
Talent just FLOWS throughout her family.🎯🎯🎶🎶
She was only 27yo in Jan of 1991 but sang the anthem like a veteran. The greatest rendition of the national anthem. That is why Whitney is the GOAT voice. RIP Nippy and Krissi!!!
Not only is this one of my favorite vocal performances of the anthem, it's one of my favorite arrangements as well. So many well thought-out chord changes and such dynamic tension.
I don't think her pulling back was to save her stamina for the later belting section. It was her and the arrangers choice because it matches what the orchestra does perfectly. This was well-planned and rehearsed.
The way I look at it, yes, she was saving it...not for her sake, but for the audience's!
Whitney was the queen of dynamics she when to pull back and sign softly and when to belt and hit those highs notes she was master at that
Best performance of the song ever, and I can't imagine even who the argument would be for, if not this.
Being so technical can take away from the natural beauty of her god given talent
To my ears, this is one of the best renditions I’ve ever heard. Such an amazing talent lost too soon.
To me her softening and pulling back at "Whose broad stripes..." was clearly a stylistic and interpretive choice lending drama, emotion, and beauty to a song that is usually sung by rote for most American's. It also helps the many that actually don't know the lyric hear the words, which a large amount of the American public clearly don't. The dynamic change at "And the rockets red glare" was again, a stylistic and interpretive choice making the phrase as loud, bombastic and explosive as the rockets.
Yes but anyone familiar Whitney knows this was her style. She did that soft pullback in portions of every song she ever sung.
@@HoopCITY76 A gross oversimplification. Where did she pull back on "I'm Your Baby Tonight", "I Wanna Dance With Somebody", "How Will I Know", "I'm Every Woman" and a host of others? Again, "pulling back" is a stylistic, interpretive choice made by many singers in ballads a thousand years for exactly these reasons.
@@helgar791 yup. She doesn't know what she's talking about
Rickey Minor admitted that they purposedly changed the tempo of the anthem from it's "norm" of a 4/4 tempo down to a 3/4 tempo so she could hold out some of the words.
And you know you are the GOAT when you not hit the Billboard Hot 100 Chart once BUT TWICE. It originally peaked at #20 after this aired on January 25th, 1991 (exactly one month before I went to boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois for the US Navy). After the 9/11 attacks, they re-released it and it actually hit the TOP TEN (this time peaking at #6). She donated every penny from the sales of the anthem to charity.
When I was being bullied in the mid 1980s as a pre-teen/teenager for being gay (I had no clue what that meant when it first started in January 1983 and I was only 11 years old) and I tried to kill myself three times, thankfully the one thing I was unsuccessful at, two things got me through those years. The unconditional love from my mom and the music of Whitney Houston. I fell in love with her from the first time I heard "You Give Good Love" in the spring of 1985.
Whitney would die exactly 8 months after my mom passed away (June 12th, 2011 and February 12th, 2012) and those two days/nights, I cried my eyes out. Though I never met her, I hope she now knows how much that voice and her stunning beauty helped me through the darkest years of my life and that I will always love her for that.
Best. Version. Ever.
How does anyone ever question Whitney? Yea this DA did!
Every time I see this video, it makes me teary eyed for so many reasons. Mainly because she sang it so beautifully and because she tragically died way too soon.
Ricky Minor, the legendary arranger of this performance stated, he just handed her the music and she sat in a corner with it, then knew exactly how she was going to do it. The sound of the arrangement, very Black American classic jazzy way. She knew how to sing it! All choices by her. Even her look- a break from the gowns & diva swag for white tracksuit & headband. Her Choices. ICONICLegend shit- none of the rules apply
As the trope goes: learn the rules first so you can break 'em like an artist.
WH is the greatest Voice to have graced the Mic
Maggie I was watching this live in a little corner cafe in Dangriga, Belize CA . We were young and President H. W. Bush had cathered nations around the world to get Sadam Hussien out of Kuwait, right or not. But we were young and innocent and our country was at war. The emotion that she put into that song matched the pride of our nation and the anxiety of what was to come. Unless you were there and felt the mood of the nation and world it woudln't touch you the way that it did me and others. I had tears rolling down my cheecks, sitting in a cafe in a foreign nation and so proud to be an American.
I think that her choices made it even more dramatic and moving than just belting out the entire thing the way we all know she could have. There will never be another version that comes close to Whitney’s. Although Meatloaf and Chris Stapleton are runners up, it’s by a lot. This was perfection.
She is a pure natural i m not sure you can teach what she had a huge amount of soul in her voice and you cant teach soul
Thank you!
She sounds like Gods gift to us. Her tone is angelic, her vibrato is awe inspiring and her crescendo then decresendo is breathtaking. Thank you, Whitney- The Voice!
I remember watching this live and being blown away...amazing!!
It's my all-time favorite. We were at war at this time. Whitney sang this anthem better than anyone. Ever. This was actually released as a single, and it became a number one hit.
It was perfect. She's not trying to sing opera. She's planning to keep it calm till the last part to make a big finish! Makes more of an impact! Awesome!!!
What you mean she went quiet?... This is one of greatest singer's of all time and this was an EPIC performance perfectly done...hands down FACTS.
Those vocal choices made the song more interesting. That’s why she was Whitney (the voice) and everyone else is who they are.
Right? Look, this lady was already years into the music biz at this time, and she was always an older soul than her years. Amateurs can't compete.
I think that quiet part followed by the full power belt was purposefully done, so to make more impact
People act like they never heard Mozart or anything...dynamics are baked into a real music education, baybee
What are you talking about?! She knows what she is doing! All the variations she does, the soft and the held back parts she does them because she wants to give a different tone color and a lot more sentiment in the national anthem, and not because she can't give more power in that part! And that's what makes it the best version of all !!! It gives me goosebumps everytime I hear it and I'm not even American! After all she is the VOICE!
I agree. I can't believe this person doesn't get it.
The pull-offs are definitely intentional and meant to go with the unique version of the Star Spangled Banner that is accompanying her
The pull-offs were basically her signature. I just saw another opera singer point out it's very steeped in the gospel she grew up with.
Whitney was the queen of dynamics. Nothing strange about it. Something a great singer understands. She goes quiet on purpose and that's what adds so much beauty to the song. Almost a Disney moment.
Whitney's ability to use dynamics for effect is just legendary. Whitney created moments and experiences with her singing. Impossible to replicate her. A lot of singers who have nice voices sing well, but they're honestly just singing well. Whitney's voice moved you, made the hair stand up on your neck, could cause you to shiver. I think the only other person that comes to mind was Luther Vandross. In terms of opera singers, one that comes to mind was Leotyne Price. I probably misspelled that.
Just to add a little context: This was just after the start of Operation Desert Storm. Much of the patriotism you see in the crowd is in support of the troops having just been sent to the Middle East. The country needed an encouraging boost at that particular time and Whitney delivered exactly that. Watching it live was captivating. Chris Stapleton’s is a close second but this is still The Best!
I was one of those troops and hearing this on Armed Forces Radio in the middle of the night when we stayed up to hear the Super Bowl was fantastic.
@@rickwelch8464 thank you for your service !
You clearly never heard Whitney Houston sing opera. with Pavarotti. blew the whole crowd away. this lady can sing anything
With all do respect. Whitney lips and jaws always quivered. That was her natural style. I grew up in her era and she effortlessly belted that song. I'm lost with why it was critiqued by someone who is an opera singer. Whitney always did her own style as a lot of people who sing the star spangled banner based on their culture and nothing else. But many.....many people should not even think of touching Whitney's style of singing as to why this or that. Period. I j s
The Voice that will never be equalled on Earth. She must be leading the choir in Heaven. RIP Nippy
If you have a problem with her critique then don’t watch her 😂🤷🏾♂️
I saw this on tv. The best rendition I've ever heard. Absolutely awesome!!!
Lots of unique vocal choices. Normally I don’t like people altering this. However, hers is the best version sung so far. It is not an easy song to sing.
Whitney's version of this song was released as a single due to popular demand. The release peaked at #20 in 1991 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart. It was re-released after the 9/11 attacks in 2001 and peaked at #6. Both were the highest that any version of the national anthem had ever been on the pop charts, before.
you mean jennifer hudson sounds like whitney
Exactly 😂
No she didn’t, she doesn’t and she won’t…. Never !!!!! Whitney was anointed. Period
yep, that was bass ackwards, lol, but I get it
Fun Fact: This is the only version of the anthem to ever reach the Top 40 on Billboard's Hot 100.
Actually it’s not. However Whitney’s is the only one that made it on the charts TWICE. The first time The National Anthem appeared on the Billboard charts was back in 1968, sung by Jose Feliciano. Whitney’s rendition first appeared in March 1991 at #32 and peaked at #20 and the second time it appeared after 9/11 and peaked at #6 on the charts. Although Whitney is THE GREATEST VOCALIST OF ALL TIME she was not the first to have her rendition of The National Anthem enter the billboard charts. So far no other rendition since hers has been on the charts.
@@jobuck879 You just confirmed that, in fact, her version is the ONLY version to reach the TOP 40. Thank you for the added information. 👍🏼
@@jobuck879 OP: _"to ever reach the _*_Top 40_*_ on Billboard's Hot 100"_
You: _"Actually it’s not ... Jose Feliciano"_
History: Jose Feliciano's rendition reached *#50,* which is still very admirable and an excellent rendition. However, *#50* is not within *Top 40,* as stated by @isandervelaquez7072
@@jobuck879 Guess being a superfan didnt help you did this time dummy…. They said top 40
@@diorrboyyyy Look who it is? The run away clown. You stalking me now because I rendered you mute? Guess so.
Whitney is magic! She's truly gifted.
U don't have to go all out and belt everything u need depth and passion. She didn't whale like so many people. She and the band was extraordinary
Why everyone loves this version is that although she stylizes it slightly, it keeps within the spirit of the National Anthem
We were in war so she was emoting the sentiment of the lyrics building up to our VICTORY at the end 😊❤
The Voice. Goosebumps!RIP Whitney ❤
I can listen to it today and tears stream 😢
Best National Anthem performance ever, period, the end.
Beautiful, effortless, perfection!
Best Rendition EVER
i think it is the other way around, Jeniffer Hudson sounds like her when performing the song
Whitney Elizabeth Houston aka The Voice of all Voices set the standard for the National Anthem I heard just about every singer in every Genre perform the Anthem but nothing comes close RIP Queen
She was telling the story from a point of war when it was written. She was softer during certain lines as if the soldiers were lying in wait , soft and quiet to not make their presence aware to the British. She imagined herself being in the midst of the war at certain parts when they required stealthiness and when they required bravado to charge the enemy when they saw our flag still stood . It is called telling a story in recreation through imagination.
The anticipation of fighting the enemy and the timing of orders given by command. She envisioned this song from the aspect of several sides of those who were in the background as support to those who were on the front lines so it wasn't her not being trained or inadequate breathing. She told the story from the point of the slaves who fought by the white man's side. The infirmary doctors and nurses . The wounded soldiers. The munitions soldiers and the innocent who bear witness to the brutality and survival of a birthing nation.
Is this lady for real! You don't mess with perfection! I don't care for her analysis, except at the end
She was inspired by Marvin Gaye's version of the national anthem. She liked the slower pace and wanted to be able to take her time throughout the song. Whitney was a genius and knew how to expertly arrange songs to deliver the most impact. David Foster said that her vocal arrangements were better than his 90% of the time.
She sang it the way she wanted to.
This is widely considered one of the greatest live performances of the anthem 🇺🇸❤🤍💙
Whitney, as all other big POPULAR, singers don't sing opera. They just sing.
Impossible for me to listen to this version without getting goosebumps!
Happy Birthday!!!
"Bright stars" was perfect held back a little soft sweet and beautiful getting you ready for the power to come
The most patriotic rendition of all times
This is one of the best (if not THE best) renditions and a part of it is you're right she's technically superior but looks like she's not even TRYING. She's smiling, adding riffs, opting UP on THAT note? She just CRUSHES it and you just get a sense that she's not even using 50% of her talent.
What a perfectly detailed comment 😮
Most screech or adding & oversinging riffs and runs b'se they can't sing flatfooted straight forward in full voice 😂
No wonder Whitney is monikered The VOICE 👑❤️
The G.O.A.T.
I recall at the time, she had said she wanted her rendition to be jazzy. There are subtle harmonic changes throughout, and she is responsible for that. The changes that she made in intonation and harmonics are really what makes this so unique and beautiful. 30 years after my first hearing. It still sends shivers up and down my spine.
Those moments that she went soft serve to draw you in, and make it feel more intimate. Whitney has sung opera with Pavarotti at Carnegie Hall in 1994, for a benefit concert for the rainforest.
Greatest ever anthem! Superbowl XXV 1991, we were in the Gulf War, emotions were running high.
Wow, such a beautiful voice. The best rendition of the Star Spangled Banner I’ve ever heard. ❤
8:56 Whitney gained fame from the r & b music that catapulted her to a certain range music, including ballads. However, she grew up in the church and so what you are hearing Maggie are the dynamics rooted (in part) from that genre. She also loved to interact with the crowd and this was a way to have them to intently listen even though most people knew the words. She was demonstrating her superior vocal dynamic control to let people know that yes she was young and certainly on the scene front and center, but was on top of her game. This was Whitney at her superiorly dynamic best.
She just tore that properly !!!!!!
i am from the UK. Whitney and the way she sang her national anthem is so moving. And, to look that good too. Such a great loss
It's called dynamics and Jennifer Hudson was a baby when she sounded like this clearly Jennifer learned that from her not the other way around. Jennifer mimics Whitney at times
She set the standard against all other performances of the SSB are measured
You need to find the video of her in Pavarotti’s audience and he hands her the mic and she blows the audience away. Thanks for your critique.❤
the first violinist on the left is my brother :)
Wow, that's awesome! He should be proud to be a part of this history.
Maggie what you fail to realize is that she's utilizing a great deal of gospel music hence the changes.
No idea why you think the quiet part in the middle was a mistake or odd at all. That's literally how it's written and performed (especially by orchestras, one of which she was singing with). It's suddenly piano right there so that the next part where she belts out "and the rocket's red glare!" is more impactful.
It was decided to have her record her singing this ahead of time out of concern that the quality of the sound would be compromised by the sounds from the crowd being picked up by the microphone. That's one reason why she looks so relaxed, & making it look so easy.
Whitney Houston - one moment in time - live grammy performance 1989. I think in that performance you can really hear all of her vocal capabilities. It's one of the best performances ever. Check it out.
A proper song for Memorial Day in the US, done so well by Whitney. (We miss you, girl) Great detailed analysis, Maggie. I learn a lot on your channel here on YT and on Twitch.
💖🙏🎶🥳📣🌺🐶🙏
With strong and soft switch dynamic, I think she made the song more emotional!!
Those surprising nuances or arrangement she used plus her tone make this the best version of the Star Spangled Banner.
you should react on whitney sings opera with pavaroti. it was damn real
Actually Whitney has a video singing operah which can be found on UA-cam
The best most interesting performance of our anthem. ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
IMO, greatest vocalist of all time.