Last night, October 20th, the Tampa Bay Rays and the Los Angeles Dodgers  kicked  off the 2020 World Series at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. This is the 116th World Series.  It is a  best-of-seven series and is the first time the games have been played at a neutral site.  The Dodgers started the series by winning the first game.

Every time I think of the World Series, I think of the 2003 season and the excitement of seeing Clay Aiken sing the National Anthem.

The Star-Spangled Banner is traditionally performed at the beginning of public sports events and orchestral concerts in the United States, as well as other public gatherings.

I am a musician and I have played or sung the Star Spangled Banner more times than I can imagine. The song is notoriously difficult for nonprofessional and professionals to sing, mainly because of its wide range which is an octave and a half.

Sometimes I was nervous when I had to perform the very difficult song. However, throughout my career, I do not think I was ever as nervous as I was on October 18, 2003.

Like many of Clay Aiken’s fans, I was excited to hear the news that he was asked to perform the Star-Spangled Banner at the opening of the World Series in 2003. Held at Yankee Stadium in New York, the Yankees were playing the Florida Marlins for the National Championship.

There was no reason to be nervous. Clay sang a wonderful rendition of the anthem and it was done with just Clay’s voice….no accompaniment. Clay sang with conviction and only hesitated for a second when the Stealth Bomber showed up a few seconds too soon. Using common sense, Clay stopped the song for a few moments so that the ending could be heard.

It was an exciting time for Clay Aiken fans. I would imagine it is a moment that Clay will never forget.

Did you see Clay sing the Star Spangled Banner at the

World Series in 2003?