Alicia Keys Anthem Breaks Records With Length

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Monday, February 04, 2013

Alicia Keys has delivered the longest-ever rendition of the national anthem ahead of Sunday night's NFL Super Bowl between the Ravens and the 49ers.

While some complained that the slower piano version of "The Star Spangled Banner" was pitchy, others praised Keys for her respectful, passionate voice.

Despite opinions on sound, the 14-time Grammy Award winner delivered the longest version of Francis Scott Key's song in NFL history.

Anthem expert David Barron clocked Key's version at 156.4 seconds, besting the previous record held by Natalie Cole with a 152-second performance in 1994, according to USA Today.

Furthermore, Keys was the first to use a piano during the national anthem performance at a Super Bowl since 2007, when Billy Joel played.

The singer's record-breaking national anthem was not the only topic on Twitter Sunday night. Keys had America's full attention sitting at a baby grand piano wearing a scarlet, form-fitting dress paired with a gold necklace and short hair parted to the side. The dress by Azzedine Alaia, along with Key's own take on the ending of the national anthem, achieved a jazzy feel to the patriotic song.

"@Aliciakeys @Superbowl That jazz swag was awesome," started Twitter user Tonya. "You made us really hear the words in a special way. And that dress! Was fierce!"

Excelle added, "Wished I was in the states missed the #Superbowl badly, loved Alicia Keys red dress."

Just before her performance, Keys updated her Twitter followers.

"Almost ready to sing at the @SuperBowl! Is this football appropriate," asked the singer, adding a photo of herself in the red dress. "Heels are my version of cleets!"

Other past Super Bowl national anthem performers of the past include Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Whiney Houston, Faith Hill, and Garth Brooks, among others.

Ahead of Key's performance, Jennifer Hudson performed "American the Beautiful" alongside members of the chorus from Sandy Hook Elementary School.

As the night progressed, Beyonce performed during the Super Bowl's halftime show ahead of a victory for the Baltimore Ravens.