On Sunday, January 30, 2022, the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC championship game. Naturally, the game was prefaced with the traditional presentation of the colors and the singing of the National Anthem. Performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” was Grammy Award-winner Ashanti.
As Ashanti began singing, it became clear that something was wrong. Her microphone cut in and out, interrupting the performance. As Arrowhead Stadium staff scrambled to correct the technical issue, Chiefs fans put on an incredible display of patriotism and unity. While Ashanti belted out powerful notes, the crowd joined her in singing the National Anthem. Despite the microphone problem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” echoed beautifully through the stadium on the voices of proud Americans.
The inspirational moment caught the attention of social media. Even the impressive four-ship flyover of A-10 Lightning IIs couldn’t rival the amount of pure Americanism shown in Arrowhead Stadium.