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Following the news that Atlanta-native soul singer Gladys Knight will perform the national anthem at this year’s Super Bowl, the star is speaking out about Colin Kaepernick's kneeling and the slew of controversy surrounding the NFL in recent years.

Knight provided a lengthy statement to Fox News in which she explained her decision, as a performer and civil rights activist, to sing the national anthem after several artists turned down appearing alongside Halftime Show act Maroon 5, following backlash from the NFL’s treatment of Kaepernick and other controversial issues.

“I understand that Mr. Kaepernick is protesting two things, and they are police violence and injustice,” she wrote in part. “It is unfortunate that our National Anthem has been dragged into this debate when the distinctive senses of the National Anthem and fighting for justice should each stand alone. I am here today and on Sunday, Feb. 3 to give the Anthem back its voice, to stand for that historic choice of words, the way it unites us when we hear it and to free it from the same prejudices and struggles I have fought long and hard for all my life, from walking back hallways, from marching with our social leaders, from using my voice for good — I have been in the forefront of this battle longer than most of those voicing their opinions to win the right to sing our country’s Anthem on a stage as large as the Super Bowl LIII.”

The star concluded her statement saying she hopes the confusion of the two messages can blend into one lesson of unity for America, which she hopes to kickstart when she sings the anthem at the Super Bowl.

Representatives for Knight did not immediately respond to Fox News’ request for comment.



Gladys Knight is old school. I've seen interviews of her, and she does not have a lot of patience with these kids nowadays. Her words. Plus at 74 she still tours and sounds great.

I'd gladly be one of her Pips anytime.

quote:

Originally posted by YellowJacket:
I'd gladly be one of her Pips anytime.

She's bringing a backgammon board.

I've always been a big fan of Gladys Knight. This just makes my admiration for her grow.

quote:

Originally posted by TigerDore:
I've always been a big fan of Gladys Knight. This just makes my admiration for her grow.

^^This, Unfortunately I won't be tuning into the Super Bowl so I'll miss her rendition of the anthem.

I'll miss it, too. I do hope, however, that it is a tasteful and true rendition of the Anthem, and not a version designed to "star" the performer.

flashguy

quote:

Originally posted by flashguy:
... not a version designed to "star" the performer.

flashguy

I don't think that's her style. I think she will do an amazing, and proper, job.



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quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:

quote:

Originally posted by TigerDore:
I've always been a big fan of Gladys Knight. This just makes my admiration for her grow.

^^This, Unfortunately I won't be tuning into the Super Bowl so I'll miss her rendition of the anthem.

I am torn. I haven't watched any NFL football since Kaepernick ignited their phony temper tantrum, but I understand the league has halted that mess?



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Hey, if we don't have to put up with any of that fake "Eeeeek, awkk, Ooo-ahh--eee-eee-eeee" rebop that the Beyonce generation insists on ruining the anthem with, I may tune in to catch it just for the novelty of the thing!

i will be sure to record it.

she's very good.

Haven’t watched a game going on 2 years.

I will watch Gladys Knight singing our Anthem.
I believe she will do it justice at least I hope so. She’s old school & so am I. I’m hopeing for a heart felt stirring performance. After Gladys is done, I’ll shut the game off. I truly am over the NFL.

When I saw the title, I thought about whether her voice has held up over the years. I've been a fan of hers and like her rendition of Memories over the other singer who's a liberal and I can't think of her name right now.

In any case, when I saw her reasons, I thought WOW! I am so glad there are still people like her. She probably don't care to share her views now because what they gonna do? Blacklist her? Bwahahahaha!

quote:

Originally posted by Rey HRH:
... the other singer who's a liberal and I can't think of her name right now....

Baw-bruh


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I was at a KC Royals game around 1994ish and Gladys Knight performed the National Anthem. IIRC, she was in town on a concert tour.

Like many others, there is 0% chance I will be watching the game. There is 100% chance I will search the internet for her recorded performance the day after and see what I expect to be something familiar and refreshing.

I haven't watched the National Felon League in 6 or 7 years, superbowl games included. The only thing I miss is the commercials, so I have to watch them the next day.

Good call

quote:

Originally posted by ewills:
Like many others, there is 0% chance I will be watching the game. There is 100% chance I will search the internet for her recorded performance.

Most definitely.

Cliff posts a thread about Gladys Knight singing at the Super Bowl. Do we need all the “fuck the NFL bullshit”? Does politics have to be injected into every thread?

Ms. Knight, THANK YOU!

P.S., always loved her voice!