The singing of the National Anthem is a staple in every sporting event, major or not, in the United States. The NFL’s Super Bowl is no different. In fact, the singing of the Star Spangled Banner is one of the most highly anticipated part of the Super Bowl.
This year, the NFL recently announced that the legendary singer and Atlanta native Gladys Knight is going to do the honors of singing the National Anthem at Super Bowl LIII which is going to be held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
With the announcement, the prop bets for the singing of the National Anthem have began sprouting out. We visited bookmaker BOVADA and found these prop bets that you might be interested in:
From the moment she sings the first word until she completes saying brave for the first time. Book Manager’s decision is final.
Over 1 minute and 45 seconds -150
Under 1 minute and 45 seconds +110
Odds from Bovada on 1/22/19
Last year, this bet was set at two minutes and Pink sang the National Anthem in 1:52 or under eight seconds. It could go longer as Alicia Keys sang it for 2 minutes 35 seconds in 2013 or shorter as Kelly Clarkson did it in 1 minute and 34 seconds in 2012.
This year, legendary singer Gladys Knight has been designated to sing the National Anthem at Super Bowl LIII. The “Empress of Soul” has a reputation to be a pretty straightforward singer and there are internet videos of previous instances where Ms. Knight sang the national anthem. ( like this one)
The condition above “from the moment…” is key here because remember that in 2016, Lady Gaga clocked at 2 minutes and 22 seconds after she held the final note, took a breath before finishing with a long note. As a result, some sportsbooks paid OVER and others UNDER. That won’t be the case here as out time ends when Ms. Knight completes the word brave. With her no frills and traditional signing, my guess is under 1 minute and 45 seconds. However, let me note that in the previous 13 Super Bowls, only two singers have clocked below that time: Kelly Clarkson ( 1:34) in 2012 and Billy Joel (1:30) in 2007. Still, i think Gladys Knight goes under.
Prediction: Under 1 minute and 45 seconds.
Yes -190
No +145
Odds from Bovada on 1/22/19
This is the one prop bet I’m trying to avoid because I honestly don’t know how to judge fashion, much more Gladys Knight’s fashion. When you take a look at her Instagram page, you can find Ms. Knight wearing both a skirt and pants during different singing engagements. The last six female National Anthem singers are 4-2 SU wearing a skirt, dress or gown. Given this is a formal event, I think Ms. Knight rises to the occasion and wears a dress at Super Bowl LIII.
Prediction: Yes
Yes +300
No -500
Odds from Bovada on 1/22/19
There has only been one well-known slip-up in recent Super Bowl memory and that was Christina Aguilera in 2011. Remember when Aguilera belted out: “What so proudly we watched at the twilight’s last gleaming.” at Super Bowl XLV? That was it. As for Gladys Knight, the singing legend is 74 years young so that may work both ways. First is that age might make her miss out a word or two. Or second, experience due to age makes the national anthem automatic for her. I think the latter.
Prediction: No
From the moment she sings the first word until she completes saying brave for the first time. Book Manager’s decision is final.
Yes +400
No -700
Odds from Bovada on 1/22/19
Patriots owner Robert Kraft donated $1M to Donald Trump’s inauguration activities while head coach Bill Belichick wrote a letter of support to Mr.Trump days before the 2016 elections. The only time I remember New England’s players kneel was after Trump attacked the NFL during a campaign rally in Alabama. A week after the President’s comments a dozen players knelt during the national anthem. But that was it.
As for the Rams, Sean McVay carried on Jeff Fisher’s stand to let his team focus rather than protest as kickoff nears. No known protesters on the Rams side either. So I’m saying it’s a no.
Prediction: No
From the moment she sings the first word until she completes saying brave for the first time. Book Manager’s decision is final.
Yes -120
No -120
Odds from Bovada on 1/22/19
During the 2nd quarter of the NFC title game, the Rams scored on a touchdown in 1:29 on 7 plays and 81 yards. Todd Gurley culminated that drive with a six yard TD run. Of course, the Rams did it against the Saints, no less. As for the Patriots, their final drive of the 4th quarter in the AFC title game took them 1:24 to score on a 4 yard run by Rex Burkhead. New England drove 65 yards on six plays for that touchdown. .
I’m thinking Gladys Knight sings the National Anthem in under 1 minute and 45 seconds. And even if we use Billy Joel’s 1 minute and 30 seconds in 2007, I think that is an eternity of football for both Tom Brady and Jared Goff to work with. I know this is the Super Bowl but I can’t say NO when you have those two working behind center.
Prediction: Yes
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