Christina Aguilera Botches National Anthem at Super Bowl, Admits Mistake

By Rob Shuter Posted Feb 6th 2011 07:04PM

Christina Aguilera Sings National Anthem at Super Bowl XLV

Christina Aguilera, always a pro singing the national anthem, couldn't make it through 'The Star-Spangled Banner' before the kickoff of Super Bowl XLV. Aguliera, who has handled the task without issue before NBA games, botched the lyrics badly halfway through the song.

Instead of "O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming" turned into "what so proudly we watched at the twilight's last [unintelligable lyric]."

Luckily, Aguilera had the quick, crowd-rousing "rocket's red glare" line to follow it up, which she nailed and got the packed Cowboys Stadium quickly on her side.

Still, our eyewitnesses in Dallas tell us that the crowd had some drastic reactions. "This was the biggest performance of her career and she blew it," a source with a VIP view tells me. "To mess up the lyrics was a disaster."

Surprised Such a Pro Got It Wrong? React on Facebook

Another source tells us the televised roars of the crowds weren't as loud in person. "A hush fell over the stadium and everyone was looking at each other."

After 'The Star-Spangled Banner' wrapped, Aguilera headed backstage where a source tells me that the singer was "devastated." She knows she messed up big time. It's an honor to be asked, and she let America and herself down. She didn't want anyone around her. Everyone was telling her she was great, but she knows the truth, says the source.

PopEater got the word on the street about Christina's Super Bowl performance -- check it out:

Update: Aguilera has addressed her performance in a statement to the Associated Press. "I got so caught up in the moment of the song that I lost my place. I can only hope that everyone could feel my love for this country and that the true spirit of its anthem still came through," she said.

Cheer up, Christina. Your voice sounded as amazing as ever.

Maybe it was the pressure of the big game. After all, Aguilera got the lyrics spot on during her take on the anthem at last year's NBA Finals. Want proof? Watch below:

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Christina Aguilera Snapshots

ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Singer Christina Aguilera attends the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLV Pregame Show at Dallas Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images)

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Christina Aguilera Snapshots

ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Singer Christina Aguilera performs during the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLV Pregame Show at Dallas Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images)

Christina Aguilera Snapshots

Christina Aguilera prepares to sing the National Anthem at the start of Super Bowl XLV where the Green Bay Packers face the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, February 6, 2011. (Ron Jenkins/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT)

Christina Aguilera Snapshots

Tags: Christina Aguilera

Comments

(3343)

Sunday 06 February

By Lily

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Oh well...First off, I don't think this should've been called "the most important performance in her life," Do we ever remember who sang the Star Spangled Banner at each superbowl? Not really. We know she has an amazing voice and 99% of the rest of us would be too terrified to even sing.

By bob

whitney houston

By rbk4

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Why wasn't a true American singing the Anthem anyway.They'll let anybody in this country these days.

By FalconMan

Umm, Whitney Houston, by far #1...Natalie Cole and Faith Hill ( I saw both live, also good)...I think Billy Joel and Mariah Carey...

By Jer

bob that wasn't the Superbowl Whitney Houston sang at, it was the Olympics.

By ericstratn

Bob you nailed it. Whitney sang before the Redskins/Denver Superbowl in San Diego. Then the fly-over. Both gave ya chills.

By rose

At least she sang it LIVE - you can't say that for when Jennifer Hudson sang it. Good job Christina - it is one of the most difficult songs to perform and you did just fine. You gave it your best and thats all anyone can ask.

By KR

In the words of Jed Clampett...'Pitiful, just pitiful'.

By Nhumar8

It's a total disgrace. She should be ashamed of herself. Did she even practice it? She's a joke I would like to forget.

By Mechie

I so agree with you.

By early_exit

Why does everyone think she "accidently flubbed up" ? Like Lily stated above ..D"oes anyone remember who sang the National Anthem at the Superbowl? "" What if her flub was sort of pre-planned in order to be shown by media outlets over and over and over.......Keeping your name in the media is #1 in record sales and concert tickets and Anguilera management know it.

By brainscribbled

rosanne barr

By kevin

99% of us arent 5 time grammy winning professionals. she is just a bleached blonde bimbo with T and A. who didnt have her cue cards. what a pathetic loser. this isnt american idol if she couldnt s--y then she should have gotten off the pot.

By fl4patty

I think she sang so badly, didn't make any difference if she flubbed up the words

By pps

that was a horrible performance. when did our standards drop so low? poor thing. i feel sorry for her, but that was the worst version of the national anthem i have ever heard.

By Michele

But America will remember the idiot who didn't know the words.

By brian

Jer and Eric....it was the Super Bowl during the Gilf war that Whitney sang and it was the Bills-Giants

Monday 07 February

By Liz

If our men and women are expected to do things right when fighting for our country, why can't get someone who can sing the anthem correctly? How sad and I think disgusting!

By Zippy

Does anyone even remember the lyrics to this awful song, or the dog howling octaves? No,, Why is this? The song should have been buried with its author. It Blows baddddd Use America the Beautiful. Much better song, people actually know the lyrics and the tune. What a concept.

By Marilyn

No, but I think everyone one will remember this one.

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