Phillip Phillips and other Memorable National Anthem Performances

One of the most talked about things of any championship level sporting event is not necessarily who won, who played well, what product had the coolest commercials, or even who deserves to be the MVP. While all those things are what people watch the game for there is one thing that is probably commented on more so than any other.

I'm talking about the singer of the National Anthem.

For artists it is an honor to be asked to perform the Star Spangled Banner. It's a chance to show off their talents on a stage that can't be matched by any other. Since it involves a song that most of learn as kids it is likely the most highly critiqued performance of their careers.

A lot of artists bomb (yea, I'm talking to you Christina Aguilera), but most do well and some even shine. Last night American Idol winner Phillip Phillips (come on Mom and Dad! You couldn't think of anything else to call him?) performed it prior to Game One of the World Series. He had previously said that it was a song he never wanted to perform, but I think it is safe to say that he knocked this one out of the park like the Kung Fu Panda did to a few baseballs later that night:

Aretha Franklin, an artist that is no stranger to the National Anthem, is scheduled to perform the song prior to Game 5 of the Series and gospel singer Marvin Winans before Game 3. If she does half the job she did in Detroit for the ALCS last season Ms. Franklin will definitely get a little respect.

There have been many awe inspiring renditions of the national anthem in recent years. Lyle Lovett did a heck of a job before Game 4 of the 2010 Series. Trace Adkins did the nation and himself proud with a rendition prior to Game 2 of the '11 Series (here's a clip from a Bears game in the '11 NFL season). Josh Groban will bring tears to your eyes with this rendition from the 2006 Series.

Phillip Phillips definitely did his fellow American Idol alums proud last night. They have been no stranger to singing the National Anthem over the years. With the way many of the Idols have sang the National Anthem they gave us new reasons to think of them as American idols. Here are a pair of American Idols singing the National Anthem.

So take your hats of gentleman and place your hand over your heart as you press play:

Carrie Underwood:

Kelly Clarkson: