The Motown legend earned mixed reviews on Twitter after she performed a lengthy rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' at NFL's Thanksgiving game.
- Nov 25, 2016
AceShowbiz - Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin started the NFL's Thanksgiving game with a lengthy performance of the U.S. national anthem. The 74-year-old singer/songwriter gave a rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" that lasted four minutes and 35 seconds before the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions kicked off the match at Ford Field, Detroit.
Donning a grey mink coat and a knit Detroit Lions beanie, Franklin sat behind a grand piano that she played throughout the song. The singer played her first notes on the piano before she stunned the audience with her treasured voice. The cheers of Lions fans filled the stadium after Franklin finished the anthem.
��¯ï¿½��©��¯ï¿½ï¿½Y'all better let Aretha Franklin sing this National Anthem. No interruptions. Happy Thanksgiving! #MINvsDET #NFL https://t.co/jyoUfv4nwn
— Gerren Peterson (@GerrenPeterson) November 24, 2016
However, Franklin's rendition earned mixed reviews from viewers who shared their opinions on Twitter. "I cooked my whole turkey, ate and did the dishes during Aretha Franklin's National Anthem performance," someone tweeted after Franklin's performance. Another user tweeted, "Bro I got married and had a child and Aretha Franklin still isn't done."
But, some users praised the Motown legend. "Shocked that people are criticizing Aretha Franklin's rendition of the National Anthem. I thought it was gorgeous," a user tweeted.
Earlier this year, the 18-time Grammy Award winner had to cancel a few of her concerts due to health concerns. The canceled shows included her show at the Wolf Trap National Park and two shows at New York City's Radio City Music Hall.