When Aretha Franklin comes to sing our national anthem, she is here to school. each. and. every. one. of. us.
The legend took the stage on Thursday to sing the “Star Spangled Banner” prior to the Detroit Lions-Minnesota Vikings Thanksgiving showdown at Detroit’s Ford Field — and she didn’t play the version we are used to. The Queen of Soul decided to play an extended version of the song — four and a half minutes long —as she accompanied herself on a piano. Most versions tend to be half that time.
Of course, moving off script with the national anthem can bring out different reactions. She earned cheers from the Lions fans, but a lot of snark for the social media reaction.
Delay of game 😂
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 24, 2016
Legendary singer Aretha Franklin’s national anthem could have used some better clock management https://t.co/kz621riu3H pic.twitter.com/fwTErkNl2l
I'm glad #ArethaFranklin sang an extended version of the National Anthem.. took them to Church ..made them search their hearts🙏🏿@Iam360WISE
— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) November 24, 2016
Aretha Franklin is pretty far up at the top of the list of folks who can take however long they want with the national anthem.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) November 24, 2016
Mom: Can u go to the store and buy some milk?
— Victor Martinez (@fakevmart41) November 24, 2016
Me: I can't the game is about to start
Aretha Franklin: I got u fam
Take us to CHURCH Aretha!