Whitney Houston's Legendary Star-Spangled Banner Performance

[@JScott-jm1bo]

Still the best National Anthem performance to this day!

[@kheleecebrown1799]

I second that 😊.

[@Myfriendvinny]

Agree. She did not try and make it her own, she just made it dramatic.

[@irissanders7487]

Absolutely!

[@lindaelia2616]

I also agree with that! Best ever!

[@marieneu264]

I don’t think it will ever be done better. She makes it looks so effortless. She looks calm, HAPPY, proud and beautiful. It’s just perfect!!!

[@cainsolo1]

This is the ONLY rendition to be sold in record stores as a single. This is going on 35 years.

[@Impromac]

And it reached No. 6 on the Hot 100 in 1990. It hot No.3 in 2001 after 9/11.

[@imhereforitall9218]

When they re-released it on 9/11 as a single it went to #1.

[@itsjuanderful]

My understanding is that after 9/11 ALL proceeds go to a 9/11 fund

[@johnwilkinson3597]

I bought it in import in England because it's so good.

[@imhereforitall9218]

@@itsjuanderful Yes. Per Whitney’s request. That was the only way she would sign off on it being re-released.

[@rrichardson652]

Whitney Houston's DNA blessed her with the ability to sing LOUD BEAUTIFULLY...... Thus, The G.O.A.T..... GREATEST OF ALL TIME.

[@libfuzzy4629]

God blessed her

[@jiujitsujackson9831]

@@libfuzzy4629say it AGAIN!!!!!

[@MaryannTurton]

Whitney Houston’s God blessed her with that dna, and she loved Him!

[@diaa8091888]

I’m from Egypt, someone who use to hear many singers around the world 🌍, never ever i heard a single singer like the greatest Whitney Houston carrying a strong vocal cord smoothly moving between the vocal levels like her, she’s the one and only, Salute 🫡

[@bevanpetersen1625]

As someone who's not American, this moved me to tears and gave me such a sense of pride. This version should just be played at all events.

[@tamikajohnson6910]

Whitney showed up in a track suit and showed tf out!

[@curlslegitbaby2981]

Fax no printer😂

[@polyprinz]

She didn't change the flow of the song, she sang it how it was written, but it was her voice....perfection!

[@diannejones4259]

She sang one of the hardest songs so effortlessly and with a smile on her face.

[@bradk7310]

She lip synced to a pre recorded version.

[@stevenaguirre9326]

The way a Black American who has ancestry to the foundation of this land sang the best rendition of this anthem means so much. Our rich diverse culture is so beautiful and very underrated 🇺🇸

[@chriswilliams7534]

Very well said

[@yann7643]

Couldn’t have said it better. Grand daddy and great grand daddy fought for this country 🇺🇸 we’re more patriotic than most know 🫶🏾

[@lookhowshegobbledthat]

Especially since this song was written by a slave owner and has a pro-slavery third stanza (that they conveniently leave out when they perform it).

[@SunniDae333]

Greatest performance ever. She really did America proud

[@wabeech]

Forgot about this performance. She sings like she is breathing. Effortless. What a voice we have lost.

[@gxl5892]

Too bad is was not live and what we all heard was a pre-corded version

[@thatgirlk2988]

​@@gxl5892 All national anthem performances are pre-recorded. It's a requirement. Whether they use it or not depends on circumstances. Her voice is her voice. Nothing "too bad" about it.

[@erinquin5331]

She is and always will be the GOAT!!❤❤❤

[@trishahamilton5880]

Chris Stapleton did a phenomenal job, but Whitney's version is just so epic and profound...we lost her way too soon 😢 RIP Whitney Houston ❤

[@patcurrie9888]

Not even close to Josh Groban's version.

[@marieneu264]

The way she just stands there with her hands behind her back and belts it like it’s NOTHING difficult is SO amazing!!!

[@moniquegordon1052]

I was thinking the same. Amazing

[@KingKoin88]

I’m not American but her last high note made me shrivered, appreciate the anthem and loved Whitney ❤

[@EarthAngel504]

She chose to dressed down for the performance; only wearing a track suit and head band, instead of dressing glamorous, because she wanted the attention and people's reflections to be more on the song, the message and the country in war time. Very Outstanding.

[@bryanbryan5214]

The only version I will ever listen to!

[@catrinajohnson6467]

That orchestra was exceptional, which helped build that performance to what it was. Best ever!!! RIP Whitney. God Bless America.

[@gqg741]

EVER

[@k16gt22]

Lots of people including celebrities and professional singers have sung the national anthem. When Whitney Houston did it, her performance made the national news the next day and everybody was talking about it for a few days. I can't remember that ever happening to any other performer of the that song.

[@jans_jukebox]

Well Fergie sorta kinda lol

[@fredwasabi]

And not forgetting that it went straight into number 1 on the charts :)

[@Markadown]

@@jans_jukebox LMFAO Why did I say this out loud and expand the comments to see this? lol.

[@calvin394]

Greatest Ever!! No one compares😊

[@gqg741]

NONE

[@SD-mw1hz]

Everytime I see and hear this it gives me chills and tears. Her voice, her talent, the quiet powerful moments and the belting notes. Amazing.

[@iheardmyhappinessgotyoumad3571]

One of two things happen everytime you hear Ms. Whitney sing this you either get emotional or you get goosebumps. 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽

[@tonysarrio8940]

The best still today!

[@hottietottie9]

Absolutely amazing! She was like 27 when she did this! It’s emotional, and a very heart warming performance

[@cherylwhite2189]

She was incredible😭

[@gachavincent_1904]

I’m a Filipino but the way she sang the “and the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air!” gives me the chills and she’s fully prepared for a war, peace for beloved brave America.

[@Jennifer_Laz]

My dad was born and lived in The Philippines until he was 13 and the whole family moved to the US. All of his family loved Whitney and many were brought to tears watching this performance. She was such a gift❤

[@Gserra78]

This is the greatest performance of the national anthem hands down Whitney is the only artist to turn the national anthem into a Billboard hit single over 5 million copies sold

[@MsJazzyjean]

I’m crying like a baby right now 😢😢

[@Sass269]

No one in this world will ever sing this song as perfect as Whitney!! AMAZING!!!

[@mariamenegalli2321]

i still choke back tears each and every time i watch this. The arrangement was phenomenal and her voice.. simply the best rendition of this song, and yes, she is the GOAT :)

[@lSynonymousl]

I miss her so much, still can't believe she's gone. 😭

[@aaronmitchell2873]

Whitney is so missed. She was the person who inspired me to sing.

[@johnwilkinson3597]

Im English and i bought this on cd single and still to this day its the only rendition of the Star Spangled Banner that make me emotional, that is down to Whitney's sublime rendition 👏👏👏👏

[@Richard-jb3pe]

Let me break this talent down for you guys. Her voice is anointed by God. There are very few singers that have that type of gift. What separates Whitney from the rest, is her ability to tell a story. Not only does she tell a story, she also takes you on a journey. Lionel Ritchie once said on Larry King, “singing is about story telling, and nobody can tell a story like Whitney Houston” 🐐

[@jas1049]

Perfection. Simply perfection.

[@ethanedwards8217]

i´m from Spain and i´m crying listening Whitney. The 90´s. When americans loved americans.

[@danielwilliams9753]

Whitney, with the greatest performance ever. Also, in my mind, the production and all of the various camera shots in that performance was perfection as well.

[@robwood6588]

This moves me to tears every time!

[@02michellemybell02]

Nobody can top whitney rip 🙏❤🪽

[@jujucasar2003]

I was 6 years old when i heard this and said no one is better than whitney at singing. Im almost 40 now and the statement still applies.

[@libfuzzy4629]

She was blessed

[@rizzo3170]

Whats interesting about this --- is that I recall watching this way back then live -- we had all gotten so used to listening to Whitney and she was a huge talent on the radio everyone was listening to all the time -- honestly I think I was so used to listening to her that I don't think I realized how phenomenol her talent was. But looking back she just gets better and better. She was phenomenal unreal talent. We did not know what we had when we had it right in front of us. God rest her soul.

[@AbsFabbs]

You tell no lies. We Didn’t know what we had !’

[@colleenmonfross4283]

That was sheer perfection.

[@mairarodriguez1525]

The Voice ❤ We love you Whitney!

[@kevinsaunders8128]

I'm English and this women is so freaking amazing and brought tears to my eyes. Greatest of all time, no one will ever follow her, forget Mariah etc, this women had something very special

[@KRAM-ct7ok]

"she looks comfortable" (1:25) - you NAILED it ! The track suit was actually a late change in plans for her - due to the COLD weather that January day in Tampa, FL. There is a pic of her rehearsing that morning wearing a winter coat, hat and gloves - (wish I could download it here) - so after rehearsal she told her assistant that the planned black SLEEVELESS gown she had planned to wear would not work, due to the temperatures, because she wanted to be COMFORTABLE while singing. Her assistant reminded her of the track suit she had packed for casual wear - so the switch was made - and history was made - comfortably ! Has ANY woman looked better in a track suit ??? I love your reactions to her - thanks !!! NBL

[@kylecedrickgraciano9743]

And idk but the track suit really suits for the ceremony it gives me american vibes, I'm not from america but when I think of america that's what I see like street wear comfortable outfit.

[@TheFever77]

The most triumphant version of the US national anthem you’ll ever hear. Only Whitney.

[@katritter6482]

Beautiful!!! Effortless!! PERFECTION!! seeing it live was the best!

[@davidroyston1918]

No one has done it better or ever will! ♥ RIP Whitney

[@edmundcasey7765]

PLEASE GIVE A SHOUT OUT & CREDIT TO THE SONG ARRANGER. . . Whitney's IMPECCABLE INTERPRETATION. . . .THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST RENDITION EVER. . .

[@karenkimber8374]

Whitney you are the best that ever .Aug 2024

[@hmfrias]

I’ve seen this hundreds of times since she sang it live. I still don’t have adequate words to convey how modest & majestic her performance was. If the United States should ever be remembered by one song … this one is it

[@irishgal3882]

Effortless…Amazing 🙏🏻🇺🇸

[@theonly1likeme]

I remember the racists actually complaining about how she should have sang this plain and not try to redo it. Many people didn't like this. It is amazing how history will retell the story. Now those same people applaud Whitney and everyone acts as if she didn't receive hate for doing the greatest version of the National Anthem ever

[@blackqueen164]

Racists always mad about black excellence, they stay miserable!

[@bonnieflynn4798]

I remember people complaining about this at the time. They didn’t want a black women singing it. So stupid

[@alambyant]

Why is it racist?

[@SomeGuy-cw9rw]

You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. This is the traditional arrangement. There’s nothing for a racist to complain about. Stop making up shit.

[@Charlie-rr3vu]

Your right, I remember that too.😞 Sadly those " Americans " still exist and most have children now.... Their called "MAGA SUPPORTERS".......😏😬

[@anitaedwards4967]

Love love love love ❤️ ❤❤❤.

[@hm7563]

One of the most intelligent singers. The economics of her gift are incredible and everything she does she never over sings.

[@julian-g8p1j]

If you want to know how it is done, watch this. Pure talent: the orchestra, the anthem, the singer.

[@sharonsparks900]

This brings tears to my eyes. RIP, dear. You were and always be the greatest.

[@tadlong4566]

Great reaction! One clarification. John Clayton, Jr., a jazz musician and composer, wrote this arrangement specifically for this event. The time signature was changed from 3/4 to 4/4, and the alternative chords that he used gave the song its unique emotional feel. It's a great arrangement and Whitney (and the orchestra) brought the house down. Greatest rendition and arrangement ever. Thanks!

[@louisachalarca6494]

That was just a gig for her. Oh my what excellence

[@craigcox5586]

Brings me to tears every time. Beautiful!🇺🇸

[@MrSean3kids]

Chills

[@paulaharvey5020]

When we could be proud of our beautiful country.

[@kwolf43]

I'm still am and very proud to be an American,God Bless America.

[@paulaharvey5020]

@kwolf43 I'm really not proud of the way it's become so divided and ugly. People are literally AWFUL to each other, and I can't see how it can ever recover.

[@sharonvincent4238]

The best

[@yaboi_mac4843]

This national anthem is so good it’s sad to see how amazing her voice was rip to her

[@bob3427]

The best National Anthem. Whitney Houston

[@dldmills53]

I need more people to react to her medley of “I loves you, porgy”, “and I am telling you”, and “I have nothing”. She was a BEAST!!!! 😮‍💨

[@dananeilland9629]

The kitchen crew at Chick-fi-la in Troy, AL used to play this almost daily, and still might. The customers enjoyed it.

[@amann3161]

The reason this version is so great is because it’s not just her it’s the rendition of the instrumental certain notes changed ever so slightly makes this what it is.

[@Eden-dm3lf]

❤❤Whitney ❤❤

[@rosiekickett2617]

RIP Whitney Houston... the GOAT...luvn ur reaction much love from Perth Western Australia ❤❤

[@relaxngvoicebruh2281]

She was having so much fun almost playful but respectful with it...laughing smiling, soft, loud....Was Amazing!!

[@vv6601]

I miss you Whitney 💙💙🌷

[@eddiedoezit6751]

She was the queen of dynamics!!!

[@tribaldeity1939]

it actually wasn't the normal arrangement its just whitney sang the hell out of it, the composer did a whole thing explaining all the changes in like television interview; in a 2011 20th anniversary special

[@TheFever77]

The way she just jumped off the stage like ok thanks, I;m going home now while everybody was just flawed! lol

[@Sactown5472]

There is another singing of the National Anthem it was at a NBA Allstar game by Marvin Gaye. If you can find it because I believe it was in the 80's you'll enjoy it.

[@Xfactor444-x4n]

YES, YES AND YES!!!

[@gqg741]

That is second to Whitney. Love it as well.

[@user-jn6bi7mn4m]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIuciJd5qtOpr5o

[@dshaak1]

THE BEST EVER!

[@guantobermudez6440]

Love Whitney ❤❤❤ indeed the best ever 🎉

[@herbertmarques4424]

Today, more than ever, the Star-Spangled Banner will shine!

[@wiggywil]

We walked past the Bellagio fountains on Memorial Day on the Vegas strip LAST YEAR when her rendition came on,..in sync with the fountains..THE ENTIRE STRIP CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP..(Think Shawshank Redemption when ANDY put on the music over the loudspeakers) Nobody moved!!!!! Today is May 24, Friday before memorial day weekend, If you are in VEGAS this Memorial Day weekend, Head to the Bellagio fountains MONDAY at NOON. (And bring your camera to show the world what im saying...NOBODY WILL MOVE..THE ENTIRE STRIP WILL COME TO A STANDSTILL!!)

[@meriannestoneback7436]

Every time I hear it, from the moment she sings "see", the goosebumps start and don't end until after the planes fly over. 🔥

[@jamescaine5582]

But, that's why it is so perfect, it's a perfect studio mix.

[@26shedan]

back then it made me cry from the beauty of her voice and the patriotism. Now it's from the lack thereof...

[@timmiboisavoy]

#WhitneyHouston is absolutely #TheGreatest #Singer of all #Time

[@stephenestep2270]

Im sitting on my couch and here it comes...many artists of some repute has either barely made it through or just plain bombed...then the most difficult piece ever is not only owned but every element was flawlessly executed and the improvisation was the icing on the cake

[@dontcopymystyle4469]

When bro said.. ‘Get’em..🫡💯🫡

[@AnkhGirl]

She had AMAZING control of her voice!!🌟🌟🌟🌟 She didn't need to be in a fancy dress, the focus was on the armed forces. The U.S. just entered into the Gulf War.

[@tiatia8236]

The BEST version is the home video a group of older Black men recorded and cheered her on like it was the first drive of game! Their reactions really give me chills.

[@angelado3]

This is not the easiest song for anyone to sing but she killed it !! So good !

[@JuiceTeaBeans]

You should watch Whitney's live performance of "Home" on the Merv Griffin show, I believe. It will make you cry.

[@bklynaka10]

Whitney Houston and the Giants won...the best.

[@hymmj147]

Kudos to John Clayton for his incredible arrangement. Rest in peace sweet Whitney.

[@MichaelS.Carter-v3k]

You two are the Best!!! Thank for playing My reccomendation of "All the Man i Need . You want more Live Epic from Whitney? Do "One Moment in Time" live at the Grammys. Next do her Medley of "Porgy and Bess", from Dreamgirls..."And Im Telling you I'm not Going,"and I Have Nothing. Thank me later. I love you Guys. I love watching you Guys. You really appreciate Great Music.

[@christopherwatson1065]

Like your Penn State hat #weare, and yes Whitney was amazing as usual #rip.

[@amandameale6000]

Guys, it ain’t falsetto if it’s a woman. It’s part of her range. She is perfection. ❤

[@LisaConners-j5v]

glad I have the video, i can watch it whenever I want.

[@lexusdriverfirstcl1]

ROTFLLLLLL.. ENJOYED U GUYS REVIEW... INSANE??? THAT S A WORD... I DONT KNOW IF THAT IS GOOD ENOUGH TO DESCRIBE THIS CHILD SINGING THIS SONG .... SO I WILL JUST SAY THIS... MIC DROPPED!!!

[@alexakl6445]

Yeah, sometimes some singers go way off the melody, adding too much to make it their own which is just annoying and you're like, "Just sing it right!" She added just a bit of her own twist, but not too much and did it perfectly. Goosebumps every time. They didn't call her The Voice for nothing.

[@jewelpoole9191]

She was just enjoyed sing this song.