Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson started the Super Bowl off with a bang tonight  ... and new bangs. First up the music. She delivered a virtually flawless rendition of the National Anthem that did our country proud -- not a flubbed lyric in sight.

It was beautiful. Though not the most amazingly creative version of the song ever, she gave a performance that was everything it should be -- strong, reverent, and passionate. We weren't distracted by an insane outfit (she kept it simple in a modest black dress) or outlandish antics; rather it was a version that just let her amazing voice come through pure and clear. If you missed it here it is.

She nailed it, right? I think anyone would be hard pressed to find fault with that performance. Of course, the best part was the children's choir singing with her. Seeing them belting out the lyrics with such pride, their excitement at being there, singing at the Super Bowl, was palpable. All I could think of was how proud their parents must be to see them out there on that on that field.

Will it go down in history as one of the most memorable National Anthem performances ever? I doubt it, but those that are usually are remembered for less-than-stellar reasons.

As for Clarkson's new bangs ... I'd give them a less enthusiastic review. I love this trend on some. They look adorable on Reese Witherspoon, and I even liked them on Kim Kardashian. On Clarkson, however, they simultaneously seemed to age her and make her look like Winnie from The Wonder Years. Maybe they'll grow on me, but I wasn't loving them at first glance. 

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What did you think of Kelly Clarkson's National Anthem performance?


Image via YouTube