2
Hudson's Use of Backing Track Is Common
By John Johnson
|
Posted Feb 3, 09 6:08 PM CST
|
Share
(Newser)
–
Jennifer Hudson's use of a pre-recorded backing track for her boffo rendition of the national anthem at the Super Bowl is par for the course in the industry these days, ABC News reports. Exhibit A: Faith Hill did the same when she sang "America the Beautiful" before the same game. Once considered a no-no, the practice is becoming common now for even the biggest performers at stadium events, ABC notes.
"If Jennifer Hudson flubs on the national anthem, people are going to get upset," says the editor of Billboard. "People want it to be technically perfect as well as emotionally inspiring. Can you guarantee that live? Maybe. But it's good to have insurance." The NFL requires performers to pre-record tracks to guard against a last-minute emergency, though it doesn't require that they be used live. The pregame producer says he requested that both singers do so, the AP notes.