Keith Urban stopped by a Nashville Predators playoff game on Tuesday night to sing the American National anthem.
The Australian country singer Keith Urban showed up at a sold out Music City’s Bridgestone Arena wearing a Number 17 Nashville Predators jersey to perform an Acappella version of the “Star-Spangled Banner” ahead of the NHL team’s playoff game. The audience found the performance thrilling, cheering throughout the singer’s rendition of the anthem.
In a quick interview with NHL Network’s Jon Morosi, the singer admitted that he was really nervous to sing. “It’s a nerve-wracking experience, but above all, it’s a huge honor. For me, for all the years I’ve lived here, it’s probably one of the proudest moments ever in my life.”
He also talked about how impressive the energy is in Nashville towards hockey, saying that “the hometown pride is absolutely unbelievable” to witness. “They’ve just gone from strengths to strengths,” he said of the team. “It’s phenomenal to see them come this far.” The Predators beat the Ducks 2-1 to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
Keith Urban’s wife, Nicole Kidman, was there to support him
The Grammy winner’s wife, actress Nicole Kidman, went to the game to see Urban’s performance and to cheer on her favorite team, too.
After Morosi asked the singer who’s the bigger Predators fan, he answered, “I think Nic. Nic for sure! She’s the one getting us down to the games. I’m always ready to get in the car, too – but she’s ready to go.”
Urban later posted a video message to his Twitter along Kidman, wearing matching jerseys. “We’re here at the Preds game. I’ve lived here in America for almost 25 years and I’ve never been asked to sing the National Anthem until tonight, so it’s a huge honor,” the country singer said. “Thank you, Preds, for asking me. Go Preds!”
Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum and more have taken the Bridgestone Arena
Last month, Carrie Underwood – who recently released the hit “The Fighter” featuring Urban – showed up at the Bridgestone Arena to surprise the Predators with her version of the anthem. The team was about to play in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Underwood sported a Number 12 jersey in honor of her husband, Predators captain Mike Fisher, and she also painted her fingernails of blue and gold – the colors of the team. What a cute detail!
Other country acts like Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town and Vince Gill and his daughter, have also been asked to sing the national anthem during the playoffs at Bridgestone Arena.
Dennis K. Morgan, who’s the performer of the tune during the regular season, feels not so pleased about the famous guests. The healthcare IT recruiting manager has been singing the anthem at Preds games since he moved to Nashville 17 years ago.
In an interview with the Tennessean, he said, “I don’t blame Carrie Underwood or Luke Bryan or any of the other acts who have performed. I’ve been as good-natured as I can be. With my closest friends, I’ve certainly shared my disappointment. But most of the time I’ll toe the company line and say, ‘Why am I not singing? Because I don’t have seven Grammys, I’m not married to the captain, she’s a whole lot prettier than me,’ that kind of thing and try to leave it at that.” Yikes!