There’s nothing quite like the electrifying moment when the national anthem fills a sports arena.
The suspense is palpable as fans eagerly await the revelation of the artist, especially during high-profile games when big-name celebrities often grace the stage.
Imagine the crowd’s delight when country music sensation Keith Urban stepped onto the ice.
The internet buzzed with excitement as his rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” gave goosebumps to listeners around the globe.
Keith Urban isn’t just any performer.
He’s a four-time Grammy award-winner with a heart as big as his talent, having made significant strides in the country music scene.
But his accolades don’t stop at music.
Urban is also celebrated for his humanitarian efforts.
Though originally hailing from New Zealand, he’s been a proud U.S. citizen for years and has been happily married to Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman since 2006.
The hockey arena has been a stage for many memorable anthem performances.
From the likes of Carrie Underwood to Vince Gill, fans have been treated to some truly heart-stirring renditions.
And on this particular day, as the Predators geared up for their game, it was Urban’s turn to shine.
What made it even more special?
It was his debut performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner” at any event.
The atmosphere was electric.
As Urban, clad in a yellow Predators jersey with his name proudly displayed, entered the rink, the crowd went wild.
The arena hushed in anticipation, and then, with his signature country twist, Urban’s voice soared.
As he belted out the iconic lines, “Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,” the audience erupted in cheers.
The applause was deafening as he finished with a powerful, “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”
Artists aplenty have taken on the Star-Spangled Banner, but Urban’s version touched souls.
Speaking to Jon Morosi from the NHL Network post-performance, Urban’s emotions were evident.
“I’ve lived in America for 25 years, and I’ve never been asked to sing the national anthem. Doing it here in Nashville for the Preds was such an honor,” he confessed.
Though he admitted to feeling nervous, he emphasized the immense pride he felt, saying:
“For me, for all the years I’ve lived here, it was one of the proudest moments ever in my life.”
“One of the proudest moments ever in my life.”@KeithUrban spoke with @JonMorosi after singing the National Anthem before Game 3.
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) May 17, 2017
And the world agreed.
The internet was abuzz with admiration for Urban’s rendition.
Among the sea of praise, one fan wrote:
“Well done by Keith. Awesome to see some of the popular Singers from Nashville contribute to Hockey!”
Another was completely taken, commenting:
“Simple and utterly beautiful. I’m sold sold sold!”
Even viewers have left comments about how much they enjoyed Urban’s rendition. One person wrote:
“Well done by Keith. Awesome to see some of the popular Singers from Nashville contribute to Hockey!”
You can watch Keith Urban’s performance of the national anthem below!
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