Thursday, January 13, 2011

Hockey crowd sings after 8 year old's national anthem glitch

Elizabeth Hughes, 8, made her debut signing the national anthem at an AHL Norfolk Admirals (the Tampa Bay Lightning's affiliate) game against the Connecticut Whale (New York Rangers' affiliate) last Friday night. Angelic voice, bundle of nerves ... and then after the words "gave proof," her microphone abruptly cut out.

What happened next might be something we've seen before at a sporting event, but that never lacks for inspiration (and maybe a misty eye or two). There's a moment around 1:30 into this clip that gives us hope for humanity:





An 8-year-old girl is about to suffer a moment of extreme embarrassment that's not of her creation. A woman in the crowd cackles at this moment; not laughs, cackles. You then hear someone "shoosh" those like her during the brief silence. You then hear the crowd pick up the tune in unison.

From Kim P., an Admirals season-ticket holder who sent over the clip:

The little girl did not lose composure at all and after a second the crowd took cue and started singing. But even the players were singing and did a stick tap at the end.

According to Elizabeth's mother Dorothy Shiloff Hughes (on YouTube), she was invited to sing at another Norfolk home game this season. Hopefully without incident; but if there is one, at least she knows hockey fans have her back.



Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Golden-Voiced Homeless Man Captivates Internet







This clip speaks for itself -- literally. The Columbus Dispatch discovered a homeless man along Ohio's I-71 claiming to have "the God-given gift of voice." His name is Ted Williams, and he's an ex-radio announcer according to the note he scrawled on a piece of cardboard that he uses to solicit change from drivers. And wow, does Williams ever deliver for a dollar. Williams tells the Dispatch about his struggles, but thankfully "alcohol and drugs and a few other things" haven't diminished Williams' velvety vocal cords, and he says he's two years clean now.

"I have a god given gift of voice. I'm an ex-radio announcer who has fallen on hard times. Please! Any help will be greatfully appreciated. Thank you and God bless. Happy holidays," says Williams' roadside sign for help.

Like Williams, the radio industry has fallen on hard times in the past decade, but given the viral power of this video, we expect more than a few morning show and late-night appearances, and perhaps even a job, will be in Williams' near future. In fact, Reddit reports that Ted has already been tracked down by Columbus area radio show The Morning Zoo and will appear on tomorrow morning's show, so tune in!