The joy and meaning of singing The Star-Spangled Banner

Mika Hale sings what audience members say was “The Best Ever Star-Spangled Banner” in front of Mike Tyson, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson, but as she reconciles her painful past, she changes her voice and does the impossible.

 

Twenty years ago, Mika Hale sang what audience members say was the “Best Ever Star-Spangled Banner” at the Mike Tyson-Evander Holyfield fight, with celebrities like Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston listening.

Even today, people still tell her how much they loved her rendition.

But all Mika hears are her vocal flaws and “deep pain.” After learning a new spiritual practice and hearing about the horrors of communism, she became even more patriotic.

Filled with newfound spirituality and gratitude, something unexpected happened to her voice.

And for us, she did record a new version of the song. Enjoy this video and the power of her voice. 

 

Excerpt of the article: The incredible story and voice of Mika Hale

 

Mika’s singing began when she tried to mimic a cricket trapped in the vent next to her crib. She began singing wherever she went, making up songs about everything.

 

Mika loved singing so much that Ms. Prichard started the cherub choir at Riverside church for Mika to sing and enjoy the beauty that music had to offer.

 

By the time she was 5 she had decided to be a professional singer. By the time she was 8 she was auditioning regularly and performing around Manhattan.

 

Thanks to her rich and powerful voice, Mika’s singing began to flourish. Her vocal skills ranged from various contemporary musical genres like Pop and R&B, with a foundation in classical Bel canto. She had her first vocal coach at 15 years of age.

 

A peak in her singing career came on the Rosie O’Donnell show. Mika was also offered a half-million-dollar deal with Sony US.

 

To read her full story: 

https://thebl.com/culture/the-incredible-story-and-voice-of-mika-hale.html