As fans know, Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige was tapped to perform the U.S. National Anthem today at this year‘s annual showdown at the Kentucky Derby. Beaming in a royal red, the singer undoubtedly hope to disprove the naysayers who graded her last stab at the historic number with great mixed review.
Spectators were glued to the Derby to have one question answered: not what’s in the chicken wraps Could Blige best her NBA All-Star performance?
One of few urban acts to ever grace the Kentucky Derby stage, see Mary unwrap a fresh, soulful spin on the historic number below and you tell us :
Yes, she nailed it! The arrangement, though similar to NBA showing in parts, was still a much much better display of her vocal skill and control. Bravo Mary!
Tidbit: See yesterday’s soundcheck before today’s big showing:
(source: Kentucky Derby)
Your thoughts?