The Nashville Predators hockey team has never been to the Stanley Cup Finals. That might change this year. They are currently winning the Western Conference Finals series 2-1 against the Anaheim Ducks.
At every home game during the playoffs, Nashville has invited a superstar country act to perform the National Anthem. Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, and Vince Gill with his daughters have all sang “The Star Spangled Banner” before the puck drop.
For the Preds’ first home game of this series, they asked another country superstar to do the honors, and this time, it was someone who has never been asked to sing the National Anthem before, despite residing in the U.S. for 25 years, being a citizen, and having four GRAMMY Awards.
New Zealand-born Keith Urban stayed hidden until just moments before announcer said his name. He walked to the microphone with confidence and began his unique rendition of our nation’s anthem.
Before going back to his seat where his family was waiting for him, NHL Network’s Jon Morosi caught up with him to see how it felt singing the National Anthem before such an important game.
“Incredible,” he said. “I’ve lived in America for 25 years, I’ve never been asked to sing the National Anthem. It was such an honor to do it here in Nashville for the Preds.”
"One of the proudest moments ever in my life."@KeithUrban spoke with @JonMorosi after singing the National Anthem before Game 3. #NSHvsANA pic.twitter.com/nhLmTKWrfW
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) May 17, 2017
He was so grateful for the opportunity that he just kept thanking the predators for asking him to do the honors.
https://www.facebook.com/shane.jones.9231/posts/10208477458644078
Wow. What an incredible “first” for Urban to experience! Watch his performance below.