Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images

The headlines have been brutal: ‘Steven Tyler Massacres National Anthem”; “Steven Tyler Screeches…”; “Steven Tyler Murders…”; “Steven Tyler Destroys….”  But was it really that awful?

America is very protective of its National Anthem.  It’s understandable why some are unhappy with [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Steven Tyler[/lastfm]‘s performance before the New England Patriots and Baltimore Patriots Championship game, but what else would you expect?

Yes, he gave it the rock and roll treatment, and yes he did flub a teesy word or two, but was it really lynch-mob worthy?  Why are the haters so surprised that he gave the song an [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Aerosmith[/lastfm] twist?

[lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Kristin Chenoweth[/lastfm] delivered a practically pristine performance when she sang the National Anthem before the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants Championship game just a few hours later,  but we are comparing a Broadway performer to a rock and roll star.  Both performers gave us exactly what was expected from them.

If you invite Steven Tyler to sing the National Anthem, don’t expect [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Tony Bennett[/lastfm] to show up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ooLOEYgGvcw