Whitney vs. Charlie - Compare & Contrast
If you were watching Super Bowl LX, you were probably just as blown away by Charlie Puth’s version of the Star Spangled Banner as I was. To me, it was simply incredible. I loved the harmonization, the arrangement, and the performance. For an anthem that is sung before every sporting event, it’s always special when you hear one that is truly original while honoring the purpose of an anthem. Charlie’s was the best I’ve heard in a LONG time - perhaps, dare I say, since Whitney Houston’s version back at Super Bowl XXV in 1991. When I found out that her performance was the inspiration, I wasn’t surprised at all. It also reminded me of an assignment that I created for the MusicFirst Classroom about comparing and contrasting two performances of our national anthem. I’ve updated that original assignment to include these two iconic performances. I hope that you can use it with your students. Let me know what you think!
Star Spangled Banner - Compare & Contrast
This assessment asks students to watch two performances of the Star Spangled Banner and then compare and contrast those performances. It has only one question - an extended free form response.
Instructions
The Star Spangled Banner is the official National anthem of the United States of America.
Here is a link to the historical background to the music and the events that inspired it: http://amhistory.si.edu/starspangledbanner/
The national anthem is performed quite frequently, at sporting events, ceremonies, graduations, etc. In this assessment, you will watch two performances of the Star Spangled Banner that were performed 25 years apart at the Super Bowl; one performed by Witney Houston in 1991, and a more recent performance given by Charlie Puth. You will then answer the given question. Good luck!
Whitney Houston performing the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXV in 1991
Charlie Puth performing the National Anthem at Super Bowl LX in 2026
Question:
Now that you have viewed the two performances of the Star Spangled Banner, compare and contrast the two performances. What is the same? What is different? Which performance do you like best, and why?
Be sure to use as much music vocabulary as you can when describing the performances. Also, make sure you watch each performance in its entirety before responding.