National treasure Aretha Franklin performed a showstopping rendition of the National Anthem ahead of the Detroit Lions-Minnesota Vikings Thanksgiving Day game at Detroit’s Ford Field on Thursday.
Franklin’s 5-minute performance surprised viewers accustomed to versions that typically last for about half that time, like Whitney Houston’s iconic, fast-paced rendition, which clocked in at about 2 minutes.
Twitter erupted with reactions, with many fans celebrating Franklin’s incredible performance. Others were not so thrilled.
Either way, it probably gave families across America something to talk about other than the election.
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
😩😂Y'all better let Aretha Franklin sing this National Anthem. No interruptions. Happy Thanksgiving! #MINvsDET #NFL https://t.co/jyoUfv4nwn
— Gerren Peterson (@GerrenPeterson) November 24, 2016
⚡️ “Aretha Franklin might have just sung the longest and most soulful anthem ever”https://t.co/9bpXkMOOox
— benniebrown (@unclebennielee) November 25, 2016
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
Bad news: Football is cancelled
— The Ringer (@ringer) November 24, 2016
Good news: 13-hour Aretha Franklin concert. Leave it on through dinner. Everybody will love it.
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