The performance of the national anthem before sporting events is something many of us look forward to. Finding out who will be the voice behind it is always interesting, especially during big games when celebrities are frequently used.

When country music performer Keith Urban stepped out onto the ice during the Western Conference Finals, the crowd was in for quite the experience. His rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” has the internet in a frenzy.

A man with a great heart and incredible talent.
Keith Urban is a four-time Grammy winner who has built a successful career in the country music industry. In addition to being a judge on American Idol and a coach on The Voice Australia, he is well known for his philanthropic endeavors.

Urban was born in New Zealand but holds dual citizenship with the US. Since 2006, he has been wed to his stunning wife, the actress Nicole Kidman.

It’s a fantastic way to get the game going.
At the hockey games attended by the Nashville Predators, fans have been treated to some outstanding performances. The national anthem has been beautifully performed on the ice arena by a wide range of artists, including Vince Gill and Carrie Underwood.

When Urban was revealed as the performer who will be singing the anthem that evening, the Predators were scheduled to play the Anaheim Ducks at Bridgestone Arena.

It was Urban’s first time singing the “Star-Spangled Banner” at an event, he claimed.

Keith Urban enters the arena and takes a seat in front of the microphone to a roaring reception from the audience. It goes without saying that he was donning a yellow Predators jersey with his name on the back.

Urban started singing the national anthem with his unique country twang as the crowd fell silent. His voice reverberates throughout the space and grows louder as he performs.

The audience can’t help but applaud whenever he sings the patriotic lines, “Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave.” They also erupt when Urban sings the next line as he ends the song with a bang:

Over the free nation and the house of the brave?

The Star-Spangled Banner has been covered by a lot of performers over the years, but none of them can hit you like Keith Urban’s. Similar to how the high school wrestler sang it or how the football player’s performance went viral.

Keith Urban found a lot of meaning in the whole experience.
Urban had a conversation with NHL Network’s Jon Morosi following his appearance on the ice. He talked about how much it meant to him to be selected as the singer that evening.

“In the 25 years that I have lived in America, I have never been requested to perform the national song. To perform it for the Preds here in Nashville was such an honor.

And he said to Morosi:

It’s an anxious experience, but it’s also a great honor. One of my proudest moments of my life, in all the years I’ve lived here.

One of my proudest experiences to date.

Before Game 3, @KeithUrban and @JonMorosi spoke after the National Anthem was sung.

— NHL Network, May 17, 2017, via Twitter

Even viewers have sent comments expressing their appreciation for Urban’s performance. Someone wrote:

“Keith did a good job. Fantastic to see Nashville’s well-known singers supporting hockey!

Another person said:

“Uncomplicated and totally lovely. I am absolutely sold!

Watch the video below!