We've finally had a chance to look at the performance of the National Anthem by 11-year-old Harper Gruzins before Sunday's MLS game between the L.A. Galaxy and F.C. Dallas.
Some people are calling her performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" the worst ever. We don't like to be mean here at Holdout Sports, but we will admit the singing of Gruzins was sub-par, to say the least. Here is the video for those of you who missed it:
However, after watching the video closely, we can't help but come away with this take on Harper's performance: it's not her fault.
There's no way Harper could be singing her heart out in front of thousands of fans and yet be oblivious to how bad it sounds. It's almost as if Harper was coached or taught to sing that way, but was always told that she's a great singer regardless of how she really sounded. It would be interesting to find out more background about the person who helps Harper with her singing, whether it is one of her parents or a vocal coach. Harper may very well have a decent voice, but you would never know it from her over-the-top singing last Sunday. It's not fair that Harper gets placed in a position to be ridiculed like she has been over the past few days.
We know we're not alone in feeling this way, as Cosby Sweaters came up with a similar theory and were able to post it before we got the chance.
We hope things get better for Harper, as she deserves better than this. As for FC Dallas, we hope their public relations department doesn't allow anyone else to sing the National Anthem before hearing them sing first.
H/T Business Insider.
Some people are calling her performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" the worst ever. We don't like to be mean here at Holdout Sports, but we will admit the singing of Gruzins was sub-par, to say the least. Here is the video for those of you who missed it:
However, after watching the video closely, we can't help but come away with this take on Harper's performance: it's not her fault.
There's no way Harper could be singing her heart out in front of thousands of fans and yet be oblivious to how bad it sounds. It's almost as if Harper was coached or taught to sing that way, but was always told that she's a great singer regardless of how she really sounded. It would be interesting to find out more background about the person who helps Harper with her singing, whether it is one of her parents or a vocal coach. Harper may very well have a decent voice, but you would never know it from her over-the-top singing last Sunday. It's not fair that Harper gets placed in a position to be ridiculed like she has been over the past few days.
We know we're not alone in feeling this way, as Cosby Sweaters came up with a similar theory and were able to post it before we got the chance.
We hope things get better for Harper, as she deserves better than this. As for FC Dallas, we hope their public relations department doesn't allow anyone else to sing the National Anthem before hearing them sing first.
H/T Business Insider.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
