Aretha Franklin’s beautiful rendition of the national anthem took 4 minutes and 30 seconds to complete
Before the Vikings-Lions Thanksgiving game, fans were treated to a stirring and soulful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Aretha Franklin. She’s sung it many, many, many times, but this one was exceptional, as it took around 4 minutes and 30 seconds to get from the first piano note to the last (I timed it using audio editing software). It might be one of the best performances ever captured on video, but the internet wasn’t having it, because 4:30 is apparently too long.
Was it the longest national anthem performance ever? Maybe. Was it horrible? Far from it. Y’all, Aretha Franklin did not pull a Bleeding Gums Murphy here, it wasn’t that long.
Not everyone hated it though. Plenty of people saw the beauty in that performance.
Aretha Franklin is a legend. She’s Detroit royalty. To echo ESPN’s Michelle Beadle, no need to rush Aretha — embrace her.
(Video h/t For The Win)
