14-Year-Old LeAnn Rimes Is a Vocal Phenomenon Belting the National Anthem
The year was 1997. The place: MLB's All-Star Game. And LeAnn Rimes was the MVP.
The year was 1997. The place? Cleveland, Ohio. The event: The MLB All-Star Game. A teenage LeAnn Rimes, country's newest star, began the game by singing the national anthem. And all these years later, her pitch-perfect performance still shines as an example of incredible talent.
LeAnn Rimes delivered a simple and soaring rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" in 1997
Kicking off the All-Star Game in 1997, Rimes took to the diamond in a simple, multicolored checkered dress and delivered an unfussy, beautiful rendition of the national anthem. Even now, fans are moved by her vocal performance. "And that's the way you sing our National Anthem!! Beautiful!" wrote one moved commenter on YouTube. Added another, "Effortless WOW. ..she doesn't over do it, just sings it. And that high note! She is remarkable back then and still."
RELATED: Keith Urban's Soulful, A Capella Version of The National Anthem Is Mesmerizing
Others compared her to another national anthem GOAT, Whitney Houston, who was an inspiration to Rimes as a young music fan. Speaking to Billboard in 2020, Rimes revealed that a Houston CD was the first music she ever bought for herself.
In the same interview, she shared some hard-earned wisdom that's every bit as inspiring as her music: "You can’t really avoid troubles. They are part of living life. Both the shadows and the light of my journey are equally important to bringing me to who I am today. You can remember to trust your instincts, and not selfishly use those instincts to cause you or anyone else any damage. Remember we are all a part of this world."
What creativity means to LeAnn Rimes
Whether it's singing, writing, or making candles, Rimes is always engaging in some creative practice. "Creating is the most joyous thing in my book. Creativity gives me a place to express my depth and complexity. I’ve learned that creative energy, left untapped, shows up in my body as anxiety and anger, and I have a lot of creativity that needs to move through me somehow on a daily basis," she told Glamour in 2020.
RELATED: Carrie Underwood's Super Bowl National Anthem Hit High Notes Beyond Comprehension
Of course, as anyone who has heard her natural talent can attest, music will always be her primary mode. "Music has been my go-to outlet since I can remember. It has been the space where I feel I can be the fullest expression of myself," she said.
We can't wait to see what advice she brings to the Artists of The Voice Season 27 as a Playoff Mega Mentor.
