Reality TV Magazine - Scottsdale,AZ,USA -
Jennifer Hudson kicked off the Super Bowl with a heartfelt performance of the National Anthem at Raymond James Stadium. It was her first performance since the murders of her family members last October. After the game, the show’s producer, American Idol music director
Ricky Rickey Minor, told The Associated Press that, at his request,
Jennifer Hudson lip-synched the anthem to a previously recorded track.
Faith Hill who sang America the Beautiful before the national anthem also lip-synched her performance at the request of
Rickey Minor.
“That’s the right way to do it,”
Rickey Minor said. “There’s too many variables to go live.” He added, “This was such an important performance, because it’s the first time everyone has seen Jennifer. But she’s in such a great place, with such great spirits, and time can heal her wounds. She’s on fire right now and totally grounded,” said
Rickey Minor, who has produced a number of Super Bowl pregame performances, including Whitney Houston’s rendition of the anthem, which is considered one of the all-time greats.
