Kelly Clarkson was tasked with singing the national anthem at this year’s Super Bowl XLVI (Feb. 5) featuring the New York Giants against the New England Patriots.

Clarkson had everything going for her with this performance, since she was following up Christina Aguilera‘s major mistake-filled version at last year’s big game. How bad could it be, right? Well, we’re happy to report that Clarkson answered the call and turned in a beautiful and flawless rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’ Nice work, girl!

Looking classy while wearing a simple, knee-length, curve-hugging black dress and sporting bangs paired with long, stick-straight locks, Clarkson made no lyrical mistakes and offered up none of the overdramatic, vocal flourishes or change of melody that Aguilera was vilified for a year ago. Clarkson took no liberties and remained mostly loyal to the song we know and love, except for the subtle shift in the arrangement, where she got an assist from a talented children’s choir and a military drum.

It was a pretty and respectful version, and Clarkson’s powerhouse voice sounds as though it was meant to sing the song.

Clarkson did America proud tonight.

Watch Kelly Clarkson Perform the National Anthem at Super Bowl XLVI

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