Listen to News ~ dateline: 08 February 2011
Christina Aguilera Flubs Anthem at Superbowl
Pre-Listening Vocabulary
- flub: to make a mistake
- music icon: a person who represents the best of his or her genre; superstar
- rampart: protective wall
- gallantly: bravely
- relentless: unforgiving
- ream: to open a hole widely
Christina Aguilera Flubs Anthem at Superbowl
Comprehension Questions
- What did Christina Aguilera do wrong?
- How did Americans react?
- What does the report say about the popularity of this annual football game?
Discussion Question: Would a celebrity be excused for being “human” if this had happened at a public event in your country? What is your most embarrassing moment?
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Christina Aguilera Flubs Anthem at Superbowl
Christina Aguilera, one of America’s top music icons, flubbed the national anthem at the opening ceremony of Super Bowl XLV. Instead of singing “O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming,” she sang, “What so proudly we watched at the twilight’s last reaming.” Aguilera apologized to Americans saying that she got lost in the moment. The crowd cheered her on but Americans were relentless when criticizing her on the social media networks. After being chosen to be this year’s singer, Aguilera admitted she had been performing the anthem since she was seven years old. Other singers who have flubbed the words of The Star Spangled Banner have called their experience one of life’s most embarrassing moments. The Superbowl is one of the most popular programs of the year on American television.
- Christina Aguilera flubbed one of the lines in the American national anthem at the Superbowl.
- Americans criticized the popstar harshly via social media networks.
- The report says that the Superbowl is one of America’s most watched programs of the year.
Written by Tara Benwell for EnglishClub.com
Tara Benwell is a Canadian freelance writer and editor who specializes in materials and articles for the ELT industry.
