Jimmie Allen Says He Wouldn’t Sing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Reading Time: 2 minutes
American Idol and Dancing with the Stars alum Jimmie Allen was recently a guest on Sherri Shepherd’s talk show, where he shared why he doesn’t want to sing the national anthem and chatted about touring with Carrie Underwood.
Jimmie Allen Won’t Sing the National Anthem
Earlier this month, Chris Stapleton performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Super Bowl. Allen said was in the bathroom when the performance started, and he rushed out to hear the rest of it. The singer said Stapleton’s rendition of the song was second only to Whitney Houston.
“It was in that moment, when I was hearing him sing it, and then watching the people around and how he captured audience,” Allen said of Stapleton’s performance, “there was a split second where I could hear, see, and feel the freedom and the unity that we want in this country.”
Shepherd asked Allen if he would ever sing the national anthem. He said he’s done it a few times, but he wouldn’t sing it at the Super Bowl. The singer explained that he wouldn’t want to mess up the song.
“I am a country artist. Let alone, I am a Black country artist,” Allen said. “If I mess up the national album, I am done. I better get a new career … Ain’t no teleprompters.”
SEE ALSO: JIMMIE ALLEN REVEALS HE WAS REJECTED BY ‘THE VOICE’ TWICE
Allen Talks About Touring with Carrie Underwood
This year, Allen is continuing to perform with American Idol winner Carrie Underwood on her Denim & Rhinestones Tour. This week, they’re even performing at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
“It’s been great touring with Carrie. She… talk about a singer. Carrie be getting after it,” Allen shared, adding of life on the road, “I love it. I don’t like being in the same place for more than two days. Like, I hate being home.”
Allen was also on Shepherd’s show to introduce the duo Neon Union, which he helped put together. The singer brought them on tour with him last year, and he’s planning to do it again later this year. Allen called the duo “super talented.”
