Voice Teacher Reacts to Lady Gaga - The Star-Spangled Banner (Joe Biden's Inauguration)

[@emmymatt]

Awesome video loved every second of it especially the part where she sang the US national anthem

[@anbar]

Lmaoooo

[@Tenzordk]

Hah 😁

[@sharonfleming810]

Twit

[@rachelgarber1423]

Hi Sam, haven’t seen any of your videos lately, thanks for your critique. I liked her rendition, glad she didn’t add a lot of ornamentations.

[@marieward92]

Is this a JOKE ???? Lol

[@alysonburch]

I've been in the Army Band for 17 years now... She was reserved because she was playing with The President's Own Marine Band. There is actually quite a bit of regulation with how the National Anthem is performed, with AR 600-25 for the Army. (See 36 U.S. Code § 301 for the reference) She was being extremely respectful by toning it down. I was extremely impressed with this rendition!

[@rhettmitchell]

Well then, didn’t know that

[@katdoll8226]

That's interesting! Thanks for sharing that, i loved her performance, toned down or safe, whatever...I think she was amazing as usual, I think she was definitely respectful and I think she should have done it in a respectful manor and that she did a wonderful job of both being respectful and sounding incredible 🤷🏼‍♀️ but im not any type of professional singer or teacher, just a music listener, lol

[@gardenernut5]

I knew nothing about the regs, I just thought it is an auspicious occasion which calls for a more formal rendition. And she delivered!

[@CopenhagenDreaming]

Now that you explained that... Well, it all makes sense! Of course it needs to sound different at a presidential inauguration with the Marine Band than at the SuperBowl or wherever. And good craftswomanship - and singing is a craft - is knowing what to do when. So perhaps she got it just right by singing in a more traditional style; she was never meant to be the star of this particular show.

[@cferguson2453]

I wish your post could be pinned! So helpful to know the context behind someone's performance before the critics jump in!!

[@VeryCherryCherry]

I think she was getting a little emotional towards the end. I think that's why she sounds "a little bit funky", plus being out in the cold and such.

[@bgreaud]

I totally agree, watching her body language, she definitely seemed emotional to me... To be honest, I cried...

[@HeroDai2448]

@@bgreaud bro i am not even american and i got emotional

[@KingslayerSrb]

@@HeroDai2448 same

[@katdoll8226]

@@HeroDai2448 it's been a very emotional time, and it still is. Gaga has a very powerful voice full of emotion, it was moving 💜

[@kassistwisted]

Yes! When she sang "The flag was still there" I cried. I bet the emotion hit her too.

[@mims1992-y6c]

The difficulty of singing this song live in those conditions is what lead greats like Beyoncé to pre-record her vocals when she sang at the Obama Inauguration. So, I was very impressed by Gaga's rendition! She did a great job and performed it very well! *Edit:* I in no way meant to place a value judgment on the use of pre-recorded vocals, even Aretha said she would have done the same. I agree with Beyoncé’s decision to use pre-recorded vocals for that performance, she did what was best for her voice. And furthermore, she’s MORE THAN proven her ability to sing live, so there’s no argument there. I was just pointing out that given the difficult conditions and considering that other great singers have or would have chosen another route, Lady Gaga did a great job. And even if Gaga HAD used pre recorded vocals, it would have been a completely understandable decision.

[@rochecarter2583]

Well this is nothing compared to Beyoncé NFL performance 😌...

[@poseidon5989]

As far as I'm concerned, singers always prepare a pre-record because you never know what can happen - you could lose your voice overnight. Beyonce had her reasons which I believe she revealed in a press conference and it was something like she and the orchestra didn't have time to rehearse or something, but the difficulty of the song alone would not have made her not sing the song live in cold weather. Watch her sing America the beautiful at Obama's inaugural concert 2008 in COLD weather, she's no stranger to singing live outside in harsh conditions! I am not going to mention her rendition of the national anthem at the super bowl 2004 cause that was TOP NOTCH!!! But Gaga did a good job tho!!

[@poseidon5989]

Forgot to mention that Beyonce sang over the backtrack then, it's not like she was lip-syncing like most people still believe to this day. You can even hear it if you pay attention

[@wouter913]

@@poseidon5989 You are right. She actually sung the anthem again AT that press conference to prove that her pre-recording does not mean she used autotune. It was flawless.

[@Bleuxman]

ITS NOT A DIFFICULT SONG TO SING IF SUNG IN YOUR PROPER KEY!!!Why do people always say that? ITS NOT! I’ve NEVER had a problem singing it and I sing it at many events and local sporting events.

[@Luke-qi6pf]

I really appreciate how you give the benefit of the doubt to the artists you react to. Truly, a lot of people just judge without considering all the variables that could affect the performer.

[@cFull_Rtrd]

people that do that are bad at analysis plain and simple and not worth watching. How are you going to ignore all the human aspects of a performance?

[@lorrainevanlelyveld8065]

Agree

[@OmniKoneko]

@@cFull_Rtrd true, I also hate when people push their way of singing onto others and consider other's stylistic choices as bad or not optimal, which is why I love Sam cause he embraces them and doesn't go too hard on one thing

[@peterkinder4225]

She maybe went safer because tensions are already high concerning the inauguration. The last thing she needs is unnecessary misdirected anger haha

[@ALestriel8]

I think it is more because she is classically trained.

[@teresafbrooks]

She made it current -- she made it relevant to events of the last month. Emotion is called for.

[@Jenni4Design]

I had my elementary school students watch it and they thought Gaga was VP Harris at first (because of her fancy dress). And then they were impressed that she could sing "like an opera singer." We loved her performance, and I enjoyed your analysis.

[@ugglare6267]

I love how your eyes light up when you hear people sing. It makes me happy and it’s beautiful!

[@VeryCherryCherry]

Gaga singing the Sound of Music medley is my absolute favourite performance of hers, ever. It's so freaking good.

[@mattymariah]

It’s heavenly. Absolute nirvana.

[@robing9278]

Yes, and so moving when Julie Andrews came on stage and applauded her performance. It was magical.

[@liav4102]

Loved her performance. When she turned to look at the flag 😭 perfect

[@nycbklynrmp]

yes that got me because of the red hats who stole the flag in captiol to replace with their treasonous KKKonfedet flag

[@JeshuaSquirrel]

That moment was the highlight for me, too.

[@AmyE91]

I'm guessing she was nervous because this was such a high security event with tensions extraordinarily high- I can't imagine if she would have gotten death threats or something like Fergie if she messed up! I loved it!

[@chloeackert4666]

She was also just really excited. She and joe are good friends so she probably wanted everything to be perfect

[@InsomniaNervosaTTV]

Lol. I don't think Fergie deserved death threats, but um, the anthem didn't need Fergie's creative changes. lol. So I do understand why Fergie's version was so disliked. It was horrendous.

[@cFull_Rtrd]

@@InsomniaNervosaTTV i never saw fergie sing it so i just looked it up and i saw nothing bad about her performance... Fergie sang it just fine. To call it horrendous is a huge stretch. I honestly think that because people started smiling in the crowd after she did that part towards the end that some thought was a little over the top is influencing your opinion on it. The optics looked bad. I honestly don't think you are thinking for yourself but parroting what a few internet trolls are saying. Go watch Fergie's performance you clown, it was a very standard version of the anthem. And she went over the top on one part. It wasn't a big deal.

[@Becca-jt5ec]

c39687 Full_R3trd wow you are so rude. I agree with sapphire, it was horrendous. So she’s not parroting anyone, a lot of people agree that it was horrible, calm down.

[@InsomniaNervosaTTV]

@@cFull_Rtrd You’re entitled to your opinion. Several of us just don’t share the same opinion as you. Honestly, had Fergie not tried to do some sort of sultry/sexy rendition of the anthem, I probably would feel differently.

[@Thomasw540]

She is singing with the Marine Band and she is celebrating its voice as much as projecting her own.

[@USSHammerology]

Every time someone sings the national anthem Whitney Houston automatically plays in my head! I do love Lady Gaga!

[@SmileyAdventures]

Same!!!! A legend!

[@bondfool]

I mean, if you can get the National Anthem on the Billboard charts, you’ve done something incredible.

[@AssortedBits]

Who was play-backing a studio recording, so much more ideal circumstances than this recording.

[@Zusie]

Whitney Houston’s version is the best because it’s such a straight ahead version done to perfection.

[@verbal]

Has Sam reacted to Whitney’s version?

[@jessicashaver6706]

Excellent analysis. I just want to say on a personal note that "the flag was still there" absolutely tugs at my heart. It's what brings me back to this performance over and over again and ALWAYS brings tears to my eyes. Perhaps is has to do with all that happened at the Capitol on 1/6. I am a trained musician (though not a vocalist) and truly treasure such rare moments when I experience such a visceral reaction to what I hear. It now over a month since the inauguration and I still react this way.

[@divatalk9011]

Wow, she's really channelling Judy Garland here with her vocals at the start. I really appreciate how she can shapeshift between sounds. You could tell how emotional she was during such a turbulent time for the world and GaGa did so well to keep it together

[@tas22222]

I love that she sang it traditionally cause thats Biden thru and thru IMO. tradition.Its not a foot ball game its an inauguration!

[@billyt8868]

100%

[@jessbrannon_actor]

She actually changed some of it I am a chorus student

[@jo12pose56]

Although, why should she. Someone with a voice that is capable to sing it like that would have been more suitable. But they asked Lady Gaga! She should have sung it in her own amazing style with the capabilities that her voice has! Her voice isn't capable to sound like what she is trying it to sound like. And that's a shame! I love her voice! But everyone has boundaries. We are not talking about some little performance here. We are talking about the inauguration of the president of the united states. It'll get international attention. In this situation she should have made sure that she is presenting herself in the best way possible. And here you clearly hear that she is not managing that challenge. The challenge of a very little and short song (compared to the long and challenging concerts she is normally giving). But in the end even she is a human and all of us make mistakes and overestimate us from time to time. I still love her, she is an amazing artist!

[@jessbrannon_actor]

@@jo12pose56 just so you know if you didn’t, it is an unwritten rule to not change the song Because of how sacred it is

[@Emma-fk5iu]

@@jessbrannon_actor no its not 🤣🤣🤣

[@itz_tixmmy]

I can tell she was nervous! But she still slayed this performance!!

[@erikperhs_]

I wouldn't say nervous, I think she was emotional

[@itz_tixmmy]

Probably a mix of both

[@TheLapari]

@@erikperhs_ To me she definitely looked the most nervous I've ever seen her. Especially when she walked down the stairs and started singing. 😅

[@cheekyb71]

She was visibly trembling as she paused to speak to them both and then take the mic, it was super endearing. And only 10 minutes before there were actual snow flurries - super chilly!

[@chloeackert4666]

Erik Perhs yes

[@judeskylar242]

She was classically trained and most people who are classically trained tend to be able to do any genre. Take P!nk for example, literally can sing anything if she wanted to.

[@markbraunstein58]

"the flag was... still...there" transcends technical criticism. That line reading brings tears to my eyes because it was not a certain outcome.

[@ciaomuffet]

I have never heard this anthem sung so beautifully and with so much emotion..it was a magnificent.

[@skyedge6158]

Check out whitney houston super bowl

[@pvdaele]

This analysis, combined with Adam Neely's take on it, makes for a pretty broad view of how much work goes into just singing a song. Adam Neely focusses on arrangement, and the choices that are made for the orchestra, while Sam adds the focus on Gaga's performance, and how her choices tie in with the choices the musical director did. Love her or hate her, Gaga and her team know what they are doing.

[@michaelvolk99]

Agreed

[@thorr18BEM]

I watched Neely's right before this one and despite their analysis being so different, as you said, I noticed a couple of similarities.

[@pvdaele]

@@thorr18BEM , they are really looking at the same thing from 2 completely different angles. Because, well.... nobody knows all.

[@johnparisfrance]

Adam Neely is spot-on in his musical analyses (this is clear from the way he has transcribed the music), but sometimes seems to understand more than he is able to communicate to his audience.

[@user-bd4bo4tb8u]

This makes me want to learn to sing. Seems like it could be a meditative type experience.

[@Nosillamp]

She sounded amazing-so glad she was live too. JLo was not-but she’s not a vocalist like Gaga.

[@VeryCherryCherry]

Yeah, I noticed that too. They said JLo was being accompanied by the band, but it was clearly an audio track right out of the gate. A band doesn't just start that way. Not so with Gaga. You can tell it's live music, again, right from the get go.

[@Nosillamp]

@@VeryCherryCherry you’re so spot on. I felt like JLo had some auto tune or something in the pre-recording, which-whatever works for her, I just think JLo is more of a performer than a singer. Gaga can SING and I was so happy she did it live. As difficult as that song is, the cold, and pressure of the day Gaga killed it.

[@Triskaan]

Was she truly live though ? I'm not entirely convinced it wasnt playback.

[@Nosillamp]

@@Triskaan I’m like 97% sure it was live

[@chaeriplease]

@@Triskaan there are a lot of imperfections she would've fixed if this were prerecorded. Very clearly live

[@ellenwuzhere]

I enjoyed her performance. It was graceful and passionate without needing all the ridiculous frills.

[@kazu80089]

Beyonce and Whitney's national anthem was pre-recorded tho. Props to her for doin it live

[@soupcon4331]

100%

[@Jac696]

Agreed. Gaga’s is the best live. Whitney best studio recording.

[@barbart_]

why do you think Beyonce wasnt sign live? as i saw she sang live too

[@marco.a13]

@@barbart_ she's admitted that they had pre-recorded it to avoid technical issues. But she sang it live later to kinda prove that she was capable.

[@jetsofaqua2206]

Lol why are you acting like Beyoncé didn't do it live the next day at a press conference

[@ATLJonathanH]

On the “flag was still there” that sounded exactly like she wanted it to! The strain was intentional and reflected the pain and strenuous years the American people have been through. She allowed those transitions and wobbles to happen deliberately.

[@jamiemcclure8937]

Honestly I loved this rendition for the fact that it wasn't super ornamented and all over the place - it was refreshing to hear it sung so strongly and beautifully, yet calm. Pretty fitting for the time we're in 😄

[@noname2useable]

You can feel the sheer joy and pride emanating from her during that entire performance.

[@stephenfermoyle4578]

SHE ROCKED IT....imagine being in front of all those people......

[@bryanstars7784]

Lol

[@kcronin7211]

One of the things I thought was cool about this was that in making the broadway-esque climax of the song "flag was still there...." instead of "land of the free..." which - let's be honest, is a crap bs sentiment, especially when this song was written - really centered the fact that it was only 2 weeks ago we were in danger of the flag NOT being there. And that is some smart, smart arranging.

[@bigemugamer]

I'm Canadian and totally picked up on that to, It's prolly my fav part of her rendition, I've watched her performance a few times now and the significance of her display still... sorry, sorry... just give me a minute here..... still REALLY... really gets me. =,)

[@liv97497]

That's a cool observation, it makes so much sense!

[@bigemugamer]

@Jason Born AHHHHH! just READING your comment, I could feel her singing that part again! =D The look in her eyes and the warble in her voice... (swipes tar from eye) unforgettable moment! =,) ...gotta watch it again! XD

[@annecarpenter9970]

Definitely 👍!

[@fluxoff]

U got it!😁

[@emilyli6763]

sticking more to the original version is just feels more respectful for formal events such as an inauguration

[@sarahtatom454]

I had this conversation with my students today about how malleable to different styles she is.

[@michelelott6563]

While listening to her sing (and crying happy tears), I actually wondered what you might say about the choices she made. Thanks for posting so quickly!

[@shonaharris9328]

Her performance of the National Anthem is the best I’ve ever heard. She is classically trained, respectful, and a power house. Thanks for your video commentary on it!

[@RealLordGaga]

Outstanding, carefully prepared & meticulously rehearsed interpretation. slower and more emphatic for the occasion, with marked phraseology and intended to go exactly as it went - Broadway theater, '90s, funk and all. Historic performance! Phenomenal attention to symbolic detail here - as in her choice of attire. All of which point to her unique genius.

[@alangarde2928]

I liked the feeling of simplicity and almost tradition in her performance, I wonder if it was a deliberate choice to avoid any 'look at me'. There is a time and a place to make something your own and a time to step out of the way and be part of something else. This felt like the national anthem being performed at the inauguration by Lady Gaga, rather than look look we have Lady Gaga.

[@johnseward2934]

Timeless and classic performance, with minor ornamentation choices. I really appreciated the way she approached it. And omg all the other factors you bring up about air/temp conditions, social pressure, emotion, etc. Def an incredibly difficult scenario to be in, and she really pulled it off solidly.

[@charlotte_stevens]

I'm not a singer, but I've heard this is an incredibly difficult song to sing! I think she did an amazing job...gave me the chills 💕

[@Tricia_K]

It felt very... respectful, I'd say - which is something the country sorely needs to get back to being, both internationally and domestically!

[@catlinsam]

'Within the realms of fine' is a very comforting thing to hear in a lesson!

[@ChrisOFz]

"She's well within the realms of fine" is the most Sam Johnson comment ever 😂

[@tandeeprice4076]

I loved that you’re not a snobby musician, critiquing any little thing. You’re honest and candid, and pointed out the positives. I’m sure you’re a well-loved teacher. Thanks!

[@Helen-sound]

I was impressed with her breathing . To start out so strong , in those cold conditions. I was getting nervous that she wouldn’t keep her control and not take in enough breath then over breathe on the way out to compensate for nerves and the cold air . Well done to her to being strong on the runs going up and holding it ,but as you said she went with that musical theatre approach .This could have so easily sounded shouty and flat , not tonally , but those additions of little grace notes so helped to soften it . Listen to me thinking I know what I’m talking about, but this is what you do ,open the performance out to create a discussion. Usually I nod and have a chat in my head about your notes . I do love your listening to your analysis’ , and especially when you explain why something isn’t working and then show a way to correct it . Suddenly it all makes sense . Sending a huge virtual hug 🤗.

[@oldstandingwoman]

As a former student of voice, I truly enjoyed your analysis of Lady Gaga's chill inducing performance of our difficult National Anthem. I appreciated your explaining how much the cold affects singing and think that explains the choice of hugh necked long sleeves and heavy skirt. I had a couple of years of voice training in my teens when I got fed up with my very inept band instructor. My voice instructor, also a Sam surname Smith, was recommended by my wonderful choir director. She thought I had a voice...I did not, until Sam taught me how to use it. At 76y, well, I'm no Tony Bennett. He amazes me. Until I saw and heard Lady Gaga perform with him, I thought she was just another pretty lady. She is so much more. Any hoo, from just this little video, I was impressed with your knowledge. I am sure you are teaching many people how to develop their own unique voice and love singing. I have enjoyed music so much more understanding the work it takes for excellence. It was a joy to see how much you love your profession.

[@cuckoo4all]

GET OUT OF MY HEAD! It’s like every thought I had I couldn’t quite put into words you come along and explain it to pieces. You’re phenomenal at explaining tangibly 🙌🏻

[@Pants4096]

You seem like an incredibly good natural teacher! I'm not a singer, but was really drawn in to your description of feeling the vocal tract cool as you blow air through it, and gained a little understanding of all the amazing technical skill involved in professional singing. Bravo!

[@pollyannemorris6099]

There was a woman who regularly sang the Banner at University of Louisville's women's basketball games while they still played in Freedom Hall and her thing was "Who broad stripes". I heard her probably a dozen times and without fail, it was always "Who broad stripes".

[@PaulLHunziker]

I think you're right about the emotions of the moment. Also the cold. When she sang "The flag was still there" she turned to looked at the Capitol flag which was still there. Even after the insurrection that occurred at that very spot two weeks ago. But that flag was still there.

[@Steef_Lee]

This felt like a higher level vocal class. Awesome stuff!

[@borami22]

DAMN YOU’RE FAST! XD That’s the video I would wanna watch after her performance. Thanks!!!!

[@sandeesandwich2180]

I have never been a fan of the national anthem -- for a song about our country, it focuses on a small slice of who we are -- war and battles. And, of course, it is so dang hard to sing. BUT Gaga's performance here made me hear the song in a new way for the first time in my very long life. The threat to our democracy, and her singing right at the site of the coup and pointing to the Stars and Stripes when she sang "And our flag was still there" -- the anthem has never hit me that way before. I felt her singing really focused on the meaning of the song -- particularly the nuances of meaning that I'd never thought of before. So as a whole performance, I really loved it.

[@mamaahu]

Her heartfelt passion was so moving especially after the last 4 years. I like your point about how her playing it more traditionally created a sense of security early on. I think I actually experienced that comfort in the predictability. My nervous system was not up for unpredictability. And I also agree with your point that it would have been a bit better if there had been a bit of a hint earlier on. But as you say, she did a great job!

[@reu2002]

She’s so incredible. I feel so privileged to have seen her live. Truly a once in a lifetime experience. We are so lucky to be alive now and seeing her in her prime.

[@dropdeadpretti1]

Gaga look like she came straight out of The Hunger Games...may the odds be forever in your favor!

[@alysondestiny3130]

lol that was my first thought too, the bird really does it as well as the eccentric style of the dress

[@Anything13265]

Hahah, someone edited it and made the inauguration the hunger games, and lady gaga as katniss everden kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpTWk5qPZal5obs This is so funny I can't breath anymore 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@AntiFaGoat]

@@alysondestiny3130 I liked her dress, though every step looked like it was a challenge. 6 feet apart!

[@freemanrabe4689]

@@Anything13265 I also did one on TikTok, but it's about DYOWA (bf/gf) lol

[@christinash2235]

That was a dove of piece and an original fashion design of haute couture...

[@wingitwithminxy]

She looks absolutely stunning. She's an amazing singer I wasn't a fan of her earlier stuff but now I really enjoy listening to her

[@philippebenz2643]

It's time to say nice things to people once again! I feel great throughout the day. I'm just happy, like some big boulder fell off my back! Have a good night to anyone who reads this.🥂

[@missgunst4152]

It was perfect. This time, this date, that place....it was perfect.

[@jeffd1184]

I love your positivity and constructive criticism! You seem like a great teacher!

[@javierestrada7736]

Loved it. You're so right. She wasn't perfect but she nailed it. Hope everybody is doing well around here. 💙

[@dawnhutchins11]

I was waiting for this from you. I have my own musical opinions. She has a great voice and has so much versatility. I prefer the super simplistic style rather than the extras. A few voice breaks, but overall beautiful job. Especially in the cold!

[@4x4girl40]

This was a much more traditional take then the one she performed at the 2017 Super Bowl. Both performances were beautiful & patriotic!

[@maccamardo5412]

Just shows her range and how amazing she is! Both were amazing

[@RC-wt2uo]

She didn’t even use falsetto. Amazing!

[@jessmt4464]

I didn’t even think about the environmental factors that go into singing! Sometimes I can barely talk if it’s too cold much less hold a note.

[@candaceion9622]

Singing in the cold? Is brutal

[@sche1039]

@@candaceion9622 agreed... we've played outdoor shows that are 20-30 degrees and it is rough!

[@Radiant_Allomancer]

Great breakdown! I always love your vids, especially since I’m out of college and no longer have access to voice lessons. I too cannot imagine how she sang like that outside in 40 degree weather. My dad had a really interesting point abt Gaga’s performance choices here-to quote him, “she chose to focus more on the flag still standing [after the Capitol attack] than on sounding impressive with how long she can hold vowels.”

[@madhatter732]

I liked that part where she sang and Sam explained...

[@srhbluerain]

You're hilarious 🤔

[@lizzieceral3478]

I love how you're so detailed oriented towards what she did and your recommendations. Mad respect for your reviews! Also. I loved the fact you noticed the dove 🕊 in her coat 🥰

[@clberka]

Hey there. I thought the most unique part was the use of the half note triplets, plus the change to 5/4 time signature. I know some vocalists don’t like the more “operatic” sound of opening the throat, but that’s how it’s trained in conservatories.

[@violet28225]

Great video. Thank you for your positive energy at the end.

[@rafaelmoro9114]

She gave a winner emotional performance who fits in that potilical scenario. She is screaming! She is not aiming for perfection and it mades me love this even more.

[@0num4]

Agree that the US National Anthem should be sung more in the traditional respect.

[@dianecandoflamtaps9557]

We can nit-pick every little thing about a performance, but when you are performing at the inauguration for the President of the United States, with millions and millions of people watching from all over the world, I think her performance was MORE than superb!! This performance was different than anything else she’s ever done in her entire career! We can nit-pic all we want, but in the end it was an amazing performance!!

[@richardkondek5280]

Correction: maybe 12 people watched Joe Biden Inauguration

[@jasjas4356]

He's just analyzing techniques & I really appreciate that about Sam

[@lukeeriley]

Shoutout to you, you were so quick uploading it with all the superb explanations as well. Love it 👍🏼

[@shirleyrombough8173]

I am thrilled to hear that she sang this as traditionally as she did. I hate when pop singers think they have to funk it up. I would far rather that they sing it straight. This is the national anthem, for crying out. I am so very glad that she respected the anthem and at the inauguration. I liked her performance.

[@carole3680]

What a treat, listening to your reactions. If I could sing to be a student of yours would be heaven!

[@HeroDai2448]

i loved her performance so much. It was epic

[@SomeguyInYVR]

Man, I totally love the musical theory you’re teaching during this!!!! You’re the only one on here who does that clearly and concisely as well as you do! Thanks for that!

[@PatsyC57]

Traditional was needed for today, to take us to the place we’ve been missing.

[@LilacsAndLavender]

Thank you for this! I didn't get to see this performance bc i live abroad and having your commentary along with it makes it even more enjoyable to watch :)

[@manueldiaz3897]

Wasn’t expecting such thorough commentary, it was a treat. I thought the style she adopted for this performance was appropriate for the occasion and preceding events. To me, they called for a more traditional and somber (without much ornamentation) style, with deep meaning and bravado. I watched her anthem performance during the 2017 super bowl, and perhaps that would have been closer to what you expected from her. Btw, nice eyes 😉

[@cliffwheeler7357]

That was a fascinating insight into Lady Gaga's interpretation of the national anthem. I was so pleased that you were so kind with your comments, because there were some horrible things said on social media about her performance. To sing so well in such cold conditions, and not able to see the conductor of the band was most impressive.

[@diane730]

I thought this was the best rendition of the Star Spangled Banner that I have ever heard.

[@maccamardo5412]

It was amazing!!! Felt super real and authentic

[@kellyharper8072]

Really fantastic!

[@lightsoutisay]

Even though the venues/events are very different, I really love her performance at the Superbowl so much more. But, like some of the people have mentioned, it does seem like she was way more emotional to perform this time, understandably :)

[@mafurock33]

"I am not sure why she chose this [interpretation]" - Because this is not the Superbowl. This is for an inauguration that is just days after a deadly insurrection and attempted coup on the seat of the U.S. Government. It would have been inappropriate for her to sing it too much like a pop star. I love her interpretation, it feels so right for the moment, more reverence. If you want to hear something more wild, check out when she sang it for the Superbowl.

[@Alexplaysonyoutube]

Just be glad someone sang the national anthem for Inauguration Day! Stop the hate!

[@mdgamble]

I love how versatile she is!!!

[@elenorsarangaya9928]

she sang it live no lipsync

[@SamJohnsonVoice]

i agree and never said anything about her lipsyncing it?

[@dagi72164]

Super performance-doing this life and in those cold temperatures - awesome 👏 Lady Gaga is an incredibly talented and hard working artist. Little side note: the National Anthem is supposed to be performed straight forward as it was originally intended without any vocal acrobatics, so glad she followed through.

[@MinkytheMinkY]

The "off" part is the part that made it a worthy performance. If she sang it perfectly, it'd be boring.

[@MCP920]

I absolutely love the way she performed this song at the super bowl in 2016. It brings me to tears every time I rewind and listen to it. I do it often.

[@Cream147player]

It did feel like she was singing it within herself, just to make sure she got through it without a hitch. Gaga at a 7 is most other people at a 10 though!

[@susansollee1839]

She chose to sing and basically did it her way, regulations or not. Not meant to be liked by everyone.🌻 I will always admire her talent!

[@laurastutt3442]

Wow you are on it! That was very fast 😄

[@SamJohnsonVoice]

occasionally i will "try"

[@laurastutt3442]

@@SamJohnsonVoice also the stuff about the tongue was really interesting. Now I know why Ben platt sticks his tongue out constantly lol

[@trappinglight]

You're awesome dude. I'm glad to have subscribed, I make so many connections to my voice just watching you break down peoples performances. Keep up the amazing work and I hope to have something worth your critique in the future!

[@lisaniemannmadsen5167]

Question coming: So Nice that she sang it simple! When you talked about pulling the tongue back (too much), I’m reminded, that I get headaches when I Try to sing. If I were to imitate they way Gaga sings, I would get aches very fast! I’m so sad about it, because I’d really like to sing more... have you heard about this before?

[@rebeccathornemusic]

Ohh that's interesting, I've never heard of anything like that before. I hope you manage to solve the problem soon!

[@michaeljenardligan6173]

@Lisa Niemann Madsen you better need to have to get a check-up if you continue getting headaches when you sing hard 🙏🏻

[@IHeartTurnips14]

I’m not a vocal expert AT ALL. But just a thought I had, maybe your breath control is off? Maybe you aren’t getting enough oxygen on your inhales and are pushing really hard through certain notes and mostly exhaling? Just a thought!

[@TheNikki1246]

Am I the only one who finds these videos relaxing? These videos make the classically trained part of my brain happy. I love the way you explain things and how kind and supportive you are of the singer, people can be so mean 💕

[@AN36]

Anyone else get an Evita vibe and want to see Lady G in that role?

[@maccamardo5412]

I think the authenticity and human nature (her feeling the pressure of the moment) made the performance even better.

[@michaelkarnerfors9545]

It just struck me... that ending, it is like a flag in wind making a little wave.

[@Mike-iw2ev]

Gaga has nailed this song twice in two very different environments. Both times were fairly important to me, once as a Broncos fan and once as a Biden supporter. Thank you Lady Gaga! her voice continues to be inspirational to me :)

[@gravitytwins1921]

I think the things she did with meter on it were awesome. its very musical theatre and almost like modern opera... look at the weird place America is in. it kinda fit.

[@MsEvie15]

I really enjoyed this video. I also really enjoyed Lady Gaga's performance. I think she did an awesome job too. I think she looked lovely too and I'm sure I'm going to get a lot of haters for this comment but doesn't matter. The President asked her to sing the National Anthem and she did it live not pre- recorded like some artists have and she did a great job.