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Super Bowl halftime proves less than super

by Melody Mutch

Lambert shines - the others, not so much

Every year after the Super Bowl, the blazing topics of discussion always seem to be the same things – the winner, the commercials, and the performances. The National Anthem and the halftime show seem to have just as much focus as the game itself does.

This year, the pre-Super Bowl festivities included newlywed country singers Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert singing “America the Beautiful.” Shelton and Lambert held hands for the duration of the song as they brought a country twist to an all-American classic.

Lambert started the song with a bit of shakiness in her voice, but as the song progressed she gained control over her voice, and by the time she was joined by Shelton, their harmonies were strong.

Despite how much of a fan I am of the Shelton and Lambert duo, I have to say I was a little disappointed in their performance. I feel that it was slightly messy throughout and just barely met the high expectations I had for it. Having two strong vocalists such as Shelton and Lambert perform together, I expected a lot from it and I was just barely satisfied with the outcome of it.

Next up was Kelly Clarkson, singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The artist singing the National Anthem is always under a very close microscope. Considering some of the past artists that have attempted a rendition of the National Anthem, it doesn’t go without merit that this apprehension exists.

Taking the red-jeweled microphone, Clarkson had a lot of pressure on her shoulders.

Backed by a children’s choir, Clarkson began belting “The Star-Spangled Banner.” As she sang, people watched on the edge of their seats as she sang what seemed to be flawlessly.

I was thoroughly impressed with Clarkson’s rendition of the National Anthem. She hit every note she reached for with confidence and sang the correct words, which appears to be a feat for artists today.

After the first half of the game was the highly anticipated and greatly talked about halftime show. No one really knew what to expect from the halftime show since, after all, it was Madonna.

As Madonna took the stage in ancient Roman battle gear, her hit song “Vogue” played as she, very obviously, lip-synced to it.

Along with multiple back up dancers, stunts, and immense light and pyrotechnics, Madonna and was joined by LM*AO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., and Cee Lo.

The dancing and theatricality continued on for 12 minutes, then Madonna dropped through a trap door in the stage. The lights went out and the words “world peace” appeared lit on the stage.

I was expecting so much more out of Madonna in her performance. I was not impressed with what she brought to the stage on Super Bowl Sunday.

Even though Madonna is in her 50s, I was still expecting a fun performance from her, such as she used to give. But that unfortunately, is not what she gave. Needless to say, I was not pleased with this year’s halftime performance.

On average, the performers at Super Bowl XLVI merely met my expectations. The outstanding performance, however, was given by Kelly Clarkson singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Clarkson singing the National Anthem definitely will be one that is remembered in Super Bowl history. Not only were her words right, but her vocals were nearly perfect.

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