New ESPN Documentary “Whitney’s Anthem” to Explore Impact of Whitney Houston’s Unforgettable National Anthem Performance

TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 27: Whitney Houston sings the National Anthem before a game with the New York Giants taking on the Buffalo Bills prior to Super Bowl XXV at Tampa Stadium on January 27, 1991 in Tampa, Florida. The Giants won 20-19. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

Ask any Black person who sings the best version of the national anthem and you’ll get one of two answers: Depending upon their age, it’s either Marvin Gaye at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game or Whitney Houston at Super Bowl XXV. And while we at The Root will gracefully bow out of this debate, as part of its Super Bowl LVI coverage, ESPN’s E:60 will explore the impact of Houston’s unforgettable performance in Whitney’s Anthem.

Premiering Friday, Feb. 11, the 10 year anniversary of Houston’s death, the half-hour documentary features interviews with musical director Rickey Minor, commentators and players from the game, as they discuss “the story of the anthem,” per a press release provided to The Root.

Hands down, the most revealing insights will come from the NFL exec who almost rejected Whitney’s version of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Seriously!? I need to know how you heard that voice sing that song, and didn’t want it to open your game. What logical reason could you possibly have?