The NFL has chosen opera star Renee Fleming to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Super Bowl XLVIII.
Fleming is, according to the Associated Press, the first opera singer to perform the national anthem at the Super Bowl. The NFL has recently chosen more mainstream performers, with Alicia Keys, Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson singing the national anthem at the last five Super Bowls.
Fleming is an appropriate choice for the New York/New Jersey Super Bowl, as she often performs at New York venues and is currently starring in Rusalka at the Metropolitan Opera.
Those of us who aren’t cultured enough to know what Rusalka is can enjoy watching Fleming perform a David Letterman Top 10 list.