Faith Hill recalls 'terrifying' experience of singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl
It's been 22 years since Faith Hill sang the national anthem at the Super Bowl in 2000, but she remembers it like it was yesterday.
The country superstar called the experience "terrifying" in a new interview and, despite being a well seasoned performer, said she felt "the most extraordinary amount of pressure ever" doing it.
Hill, 54, recalled the moment on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" this week, explaining how she walked out onto the field to sing the national anthem from a public bathroom where she had been practicing with "a literal boombox."
By the time she sang at the Super Bowl, she already knew the perils of what could go wrong. Early on in her career, she performed the national anthem at a playoff game and completely blanked on the lyrics.
The "This Kiss" singer recalled walking on the field and asking the woman escorting her if she happened to know the first word of the song. Unlucky for her, the woman responded, "Honey, I don't know."
Fortunately, once the spotlight hit and it was time to sing, the words came to her. Had they not, Hill said she had a backup plan to pivot and sing "Amazing Grace" because she'd be "forgiven" for that.
This year's Super Bowl, taking place Feb. 13, will feature another rising country superstar singing the national anthem. Mickey Guyton was just announced as the performer, much to Hill's excitement.
The "1883" star said of Guyton, "I am such a huge fan and supporter. She is going to slay it."
