Using a low, clear - and solemn - voice, the accomplished rapper brought tears to the eyes of fans as her strong and respectful rendition of the patriotic tune filled the stadium.
Fresh from performing a marriage ceremony for 33 couples at last Sunday’s Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Latifah took to the frigid field at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J . to kick off the big game.
Nailed it! Queen Latifah delivered a beautiful
and deferential version of America the Beautiful before the NFL Super
Bowl XLVIII football game Sunday
Not taking any chances with her vocal chords, the singer wore a warm white turtle neck, paired with a crisp blue parka.
Handling the more difficult song, The Star-Spangled Banner, was rising opera star Renee Fleming, who deftly delivered the notoriously difficult high pitched note on the word 'free' of the national anthem. Superstars from Christina Aguilera to Michael Bolton have botched the song.
Both Latifah and Fleming immediately received accolades for opening the game with such stirring performances that produced cheers from the crowd.
'Have you ever heard it sung any better,' play by play announcer Joe Buck said as fans cheered wildly after Fleming's 2-minute rendition of The Star Spangled Banner.
Beautiful pitch: Opera singer Renee Fleming
deftly handled the notoriously difficult tune, The Star Spangled Banner,
before the big game
Protecting her voice: The Grammy winner wore a warm turtle neck and blue down jacket to sing in the frigid field
Fleming's performance was accompanied by the Armed Forces Chorus while a video montage showed soldiers in Afghanistan, fireworks, a giant American flag - and several shots of Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning scowling in a pre-game warrior face.
Latifah also shared her performance with the New Jersey Youth Chorus, which provided strong harmonies. Latifah swirled her voice around the singers - rather than hogging the spotlight - which helped create the respectful and reverent tone.
The talk show host, actress and Grammy winner finished her performance with a small fist pump.
After walking off the field, Fleming said she hadn't felt nervous. 'I do most of my nervous stuff in advance so when I actually get there I can enjoy it ... and it was certainly true this time,' she said. 'I feel so thrilled and honored to be out there. I loved every second.'
Multi-talented: The Grammy winner also hosts a popular talk show host
Busy schedule: Last Sunday, Queen Latifah appeared at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles
DM
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