American Idol 2013 winner Candice Glover continued the recent tradition and performed the National Anthem to open the 2013 Memorial Day Concert in Washington, D.C.
Also on hand for the concert was American Idol Season 11 runner-up Jessica Sanchez, who performed “God Bless America” for the outdoor crowd.
We’ve got both performances for you below. Candice’s performance of the Star-Spangled Banner was pretty routine, but still a powerful and rousing one. Jessica’s version of “God Bless America” was,well, American Idol winner/runner-up worthy (well, until she invites the crowd to sing!). Hear both of the great performances below and let us know what you think of the two Idol divas salute to the country.
This is the second year for Jessica to perform at the concert as she sang the National Anthem last year because Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips was preparing for surgery (and let’s face it, he can’t really carry “The Star-Spanlged Banner”).
Personally I think Jessica’s performance was really incredible. Candice’s.. not much. She had no freedom to do anything, except follow the band.
Personally I think Jessica’s performance was really incredible. Candice’s.. not much. She had no freedom to do anything, except follow the band.
I have seen Jessica embellish a little bit with our National Anthem on the ship her dad was on and I didn’t like it, but she’s smart enough to to keep away from that when she’s doing it for our President. She sang both the National Anthem (at the Easter Egg Roll) and God Bless America for the PBS concert twice and was outstanding. This girl sings great now, I can only imagine what se’ll sound like when she gets older.
As far as Candice is concerned, she threw in a little embellishment of her own which for me is a no, no, when singing for the White House. Otherwise, what can I say, she has a brilliant voice and loved her on Idol. I agree with Leo about not having freedom to sing with the band playing, but it kept her from embellishing more. Just my opinion.
Candice sang beautiful!
I voted for Candice! And I do not see what was wrong with her performance! I have seen it butchered by many singers. She sounded good to me. I have loved music all of my life. and I am by no means an expert!!! But there was nothing wrong with her rendition of the national anthem. I wish all good things for you Candice! Sherry K
Very beautiful Jessica! She is so sweet. And she still sings beautiful too! I love her rendition of God Bless America” too!