The soaring vocals of “The Star-Spangled Banner” are a familiar sound at American sporting events. But sometimes, anthem performances go viral for unexpected reasons. Such was the case in 2022 when singer Mia Hutchinson took the field at a Denver Broncos game. Her unconventional vocal stylings during the national anthem Chokerclub captured public attention and sparked debate across the country. mia hutchinson national anthem video became a headline as her video spread rapidly online.
Mia Hutchinson’s Early Life and Singing Career
Mia Hutchinson grew up in Orlando, Florida where she spent her childhood singing in school plays and taking voice lessons. Her talent was evident from a young age, but as a teen she struggled with stage fright. In college at University of Miami, Mia began to overcome her fears and started performing at local bars and clubs.
After graduating in 2016, Mia worked odd jobs during the day but spent her nights trying to break into Nashville’s music scene. She played small gigs around the city and tried out for local singing competitions like Nashville Star.
Mia’s big break came in 2021 when she was asked to sing the national anthem at a Nashville Predators NHL game. Her performance went smoothly and led to more bookings at major venues over the next year.
How Mia Landed the Broncos Gig
In August 2022, Mia Hutchinson received an exciting opportunity – the chance to sing the national anthem at the Denver Broncos’ home opener on September 15.
The Broncos were looking for fresh musical talent after receiving criticism that their anthem performances had grown stale. Mia submitted an audition tape and her voice impressed the Broncos’ entertainment coordinator.
After a phone interview, Mia was selected for the coveted gig at the 76,000 seat Empower Field. Leading up to the event, she diligently rehearsed the anthem over and over. But nothing could fully prepare her for the spotlight that night.
Mia’s Unconventional Anthem Performance
The scene was set for Mia’s big national exposure. Clad in a Brandon Maxwell gown, she strode onto the field as fans settled in for kickoff. The stadium lights dimmed and all eyes fixed on Mia for the anthem.
What followed was an unorthodox, some say bizarre, rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. Mia belted the anthem with exaggerated vibrato, throwing in trills and shrieks during held notes. Her delivery was highly stylized and crossed over into flamboyant melodrama at some points.
Mia gesticulated theatrically as she sang, heightening the dramatic effect. As she powered through the final lines, her voice grew in volume and intensity. She held the climactic “brave” for 10 seconds as her voice wavered wildly.
The small crowd reacted with a mix of cheers and confusion as she walked off field. While unique, it didn’t seem like a performance that would make national headlines. But once footage spread online, the takes came pouring in.
Early Social Media Reactions
Mia Hutchinson’s anthem was polarizing from the moment it went viral. Early Youtube comments ranged from “Nailed it!” to “This is disgraceful.”
On Twitter, some praised Mia’s courage to perform it her own way. Others called it overdone and disrespectful. Sports commentators chimed in with hot takes calling it the “worst anthem ever.”
The video flooded Facebook where Baby Boomers debated if Mia’s version was better or worse than Roseanne Barr’s infamous 1990 anthem. Millennials shared it as a meme while Gen Z created absurdist TikTok duets.
Why Did It Go So Viral?
There are a few factors that explain why Mia’s performance took off online:
- Novelty: It was unique and shocking enough to grab attention.
- Humor: Many found it amusing in its melodramatic delivery.
- Controversy: The debate over respecting tradition drove engagement.
- Shareability: The anthem format made it easy to remix and parody.
While unconventional, it was Mia’s very enthusiasm and effort that seemed to resonate. Love it or hate it, the anthem had people talking.
The Media Frenzy Around Mia
As video views soared into the millions, Hutchinson suddenly found herself in the middle of a media firestorm. She appeared on Today, Good Morning America, and The View to discuss the video.
FOX News and MSNBC hosted debates on the meaning of the anthem and the ethics of Mia’s performance. Twitter arguments raged on for days between traditionalists and free speech advocates.
Trying to direct the conversation, Mia told GMA: “My intent was never to disrespect the anthem. I just wanted to put my own spin on it and show my talents.” Despite her pleas, takes continued flying in from all angles.
How Did Mia React Publicly?
Amidst the noise, Mia Hutchinson tried to maintain poise and clarify her views. In interviews she explained:
- She merely wanted to showcase her vocal skills in a creative way.
- She regrets that some felt it was distasteful or unpatriotic.
- The anthem belongs to everyone and open to interpretation.
- She hopes this can start a constructive discussion.
Mia took the high road in defusing the backlash. She avoided inflaming things further by issuing apologies or finger-pointing. Her classy response won some critics over.
Behind the Scenes with Mia
Privately, the viral onslaught was emotionally taxing for Mia. Having suddenly become a public punching bag, she confessed feeling overwhelmed in a Today Show interview.
Mia took a social media hiatus for her own well-being during the media swarm. She focused on the support of close family and friends who knew her heart was in the right place.
Looking back later, Mia said she wished she had toned down some of the exaggerated melodies. But she stood by the intent to inspire people through music.
General Views on the National Anthem
The Mia Hutchinson video reignited age-old debates about the national anthem in America. The song has long been a flashpoint for controversy regarding civil rights and creative expression.
Some view the anthem as a solemn tribute that should strictly follow tradition. They see embellishments or alterations as disrespectful. Others see it as a living symbol open to reinterpretation.
The right or wrong of kneeling protests has also fueled the anthem debate. People hotly contest if the anthem is an appropriate time for protest statements.
Anthem Rules and Traditions
Professional leagues like the NFL and NBA have specific guidelines about proper anthem etiquette. The leagues forbid altercations to words, lyrics or meter. Artistic liberties in arrangement are only permitted upon request.
Spontaneous flourishes by performers are discouraged but not always policed. Some famous anthems like Whitney Houston’s soaring 1991 Super Bowl version have become iconic through embellishment.
Few performers actually face consequences for taking liberties unless it causes major controversy. Punishments have ranged from small fines to banishment from singing again.
Other Notable Anthem Controversies
Mia Hutchinson is far from the first performer to spark uproar with the national anthem. Other notorious examples include:
- Roseanne Barr: Her comedic 1990 version involved crotch-grabbing and spit takes. She was vilified but said it was misinterpreted.
- Fergie: Her 2018 sultry jazz take at the NBA All-Star game was deemed awkward and oversexed by many.
- Steven Tyler: The rock star blew out eardrums with a screaming high-pitched anthem at the Indy 500.
- Carl Lewis: The Olympic legend notoriously forgot the words when singing at a Nets game in 1993.
- Christina Aguilera: She flubbed a line at Super Bowl XLV, but recovered with an improvised ending.
How Did This Affect Mia’s Singing Career?
The viral attention did boost Mia Hutchinson’s profile in the short term. Her social media following grew exponentially. She booked appearances on talk shows and radio interviews.
Several free speech groups approached her about becoming a spokesperson. A few new performance opportunities even came her way.
But most music insiders saw her as too controversial for mainstream success. The national anthem debacle had typecast her as a provocateur.
Over time, Mia struggled to get bookings as the news cycle moved on. However, she continued pursuing music and leveraged her notoriety where possible.
Mia Speaks Out a Year Later
In September 2023, Mia reflected on the anthem one year later with USA Today. She said the intense vitriol had subsided, but she still got the occasional heckle at shows.
Overall she felt more philosophical about her fleeting time in the crosshairs. She hoped to release an indie EP by year’s end and focus on small venues again.
“Looking back, I’d probably keep closer to the original melody today. But I still believe you have to live courageously through art, even if some reject it,” she said.
The ever-gracious Mia hoped the experience could bring more empathy to public discourse. She thanked fans who appreciated her willingness to take risks.
Other Viral Singing Moments
Mia Hutchinson is far from the only singer to go viral, for better or worse. Other meteoric singing moments include:
Susan Boyle: Her 2009 Britain’s Got Talent audition shocked with its soulful vocals contrasting her appearance.
Jessica Sanchez: Her breathtaking cover of “And I Am Telling You” made her a star overnight on American Idol.
Levon Helm: The 1976 SNL clip of him singing “The Weight” skyrocketed after his death.
Lana Del Rey: Her haunting “Video Games” swept the Internet and launched her career.
Choncé and Trizzy Tré: Their 2020 Verzuz Instagram battle had a stunning vocal “duet” go viral.
How Virality Shapes Public Opinion
These types of viral moments fascinate because they seemingly come out of nowhere. They also show how quickly singular events can shape wider perceptions.
Seeing a striking video for the first time tends to create a strong instinctive reaction. If it goes viral fast, our opinions get amplified before deeper analysis.
As Mia Hutchinson found, backlash can be overwhelming once a narrative spreads. But virality can also rapidly turn nobodies into superstars overnight.
The mercurial effects of social media have made fame more arbitrary than ever. But raw talent still breaks through if people are moved enough to share it widely.
Will the Anthem Tradition Continue?
The Mia Hutchinson story surfaced underlying questions about the national anthem’s future place in society. Some ask if the divisive song has outlived its usefulness.
The anthem became a mainstream sports tradition during World War II but wasn’t always a fixture before. Could changing attitudes make it go the way of once-sacred traditions like cigarette commercials?
Others argue the song is here to stay and must be respected. Athletic contests have taken on a patriotic air in recent decades. Ridding them of the anthem may prove difficult.
Are there any viable alternatives? Some propose less polarizing songs like “America the Beautiful” could replace it in time. Or maybe verses from multiple patriotic songs.
Regardless, don’t expect the old red, white and blue standard to disappear overnight after 200 years. But look for debate to continue amid a societal reckoning.
