A lot of us look forward to the singing of the national anthem at sporting events. It’s always exciting to see who’ll be the voice behind it too – especially during major games when celebrities are often brought in.
Crowd members at the Western Conference finals were in for quite the experience when country music star Keith Urban walked out onto the ice. His performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner” is one that’s giving the internet chills.
A man with an amazing talent and a big heart.
Keith Urban is a four-time Grammy award-winning artist who’s made himself a successful career in the world of country music. In addition, he’s known for his humanitarian work – along with being an American Idol judge and a coach on The Voice Australia.
Urban is originally from New Zealand, but is also a citizen of the United States. He’s been married to his beautiful wife, actress Nicole Kidman, since 2006.
It’s an incredible way to start the game.
Fans of the Nashville Predators have been treated to many unforgettable performances while at their team’s hockey games. From Carrie Underwood to Vince Gill, the ice arena has been filled with many beautiful renditions of the national anthem.
The Predators were set to play the Anaheim Ducks at the Bridgestone Arena, when Urban was announced as the musician who’d be singing the anthem that evening.
According to Urban, it was his first time performing the “Star-Spangled Banner” for an event.
The crowd roars with excitement as Keith Urban enters the rink and stands before the microphone. He, of course, was wearing a yellow Predators jersey with his name printed on the back.
As the arena silenced, Urban began belting out the national anthem with his own country flare. The sound of his voice fills the room, becoming more powerful as his performance goes on.
Once he reaches the patriotic lyrics, “Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,” the audience can’t help but give a cheer. They also erupt when Urban finishes the song with a bang while singing:
“O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”
There have been many musicians over the years who have taken on the Star-Spangled Banner, and Urban’s rendition is one that touches you straight in the heart. Just like when the high school wrestler sang it, or when the football player went viral for his performance.
The whole experience meant a lot to Keith Urban.
After his appearance on the ice, Urban spoke with Jon Morosi from the NHL Network. He explained how much it meant to him to be chosen as that night’s singer.
“I’ve lived in America 25 years, I’ve never been asked to sing the national anthem. It was such an honor to do it here in Nashville for the Preds.”
He also told Morosi:
“It’s a nerve-wracking experience, but above all it’s a huge honor. For me, for all the years I’ve lived here 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
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!”
Another commented:
“Simple and utterly beautiful. I’m sold sold sold!”
You can watch Keith Urban’s performance of the national anthem below!
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