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Published Feb. 11, 2024, 6:54 p.m. ET
O say did that star-spangled banner yet wave? Or waaaaaaave?
Reba McEntire’s rendition of the national anthem clocked in at 95 seconds (1:35) Sunday night at the 2024 Super Bowl.
That was a middle-of-the-pack length, historically. Renditions of “The Star-Spangled Banner” here have ranged from as little as 62 seconds to more than two and a half minutes.
The 68-year-old country music and TV star told Apple Music that, in the lead up, she typically practiced for the big night in the morning while showering.
“I’ve been singing the national anthem in the shower [and] when we get in the car,” she said, referring to boyfriend Rex Linn.
“He’ll say, ‘OK, sing it one more time.’ I said, ‘I think I know the words real good right now, so I’m all right.’ ”
The longest-ever Super Bowl “Star-Spangled Banner” came in 2013, when “Girl on Fire” singer Alicia Keys performed a version at the piano that lasted 156 seconds (2:36).
And the quickest — short and sweet — was sung by “Sweet Caroline” crooner Neil Diamond. That one was a breezy 62 seconds.
This year’s Super Bowl is also a huge night for music.
Joining McEntire in the pre-game lineup was singer Post Malone, who performed “America the Beautiful”; and Andra Day, who won a Golden Globe Award for playing Billie Holiday in “The United States vs. Billie Holiday,” sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” known as the black national anthem.
And taking on the halftime show was Usher.
“It definitely helped to play 100 sold-out shows, in preparation for the Super Bowl,” the 45-year-old singer told The Post in the days before the Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“Now, obviously, a much bigger audience. And the 200 million people that will be watching probably adds a bit of pressure, but . . . I’m ready, man. I’m now just in preparation to enjoy it.”
What we covered during Super Bowl 2024
- Super Bowl 2024 live updates: Chiefs top 49ers
- TaylorSwiftcelebrates Chiefs’ wild Super Bowl 2024 win over 49ers
- Usher and girlfriend Jennifer Goicoechea obtain marriage license in Las Vegas ahead of Super Bowl performance
- Shirtless Usher rocks (and rolls) at Super Bowl 2024 with Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Ludacris and more special guests
- Jets castoff becomes Super Bowl hero with game-winning touchdown
- Travis Kelce hugs Andy Reid after lashing out at Chiefs coach
Keys, whose Broadway show “Hell’s Kitchen” begins performances in March, also made a surprise appearance at a bold red piano during halftime.
And — in case you haven’t heard — the biggest star in pop, Taylor Swift, was there cheering on her boyfriend and Kansas City Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce.
