History History 4 min read

Versions to remember

Whitney's was unforgettable but so were these 10 National Anthem versions

Image: Xach Hill

Which version of The Star-Spangled Banner comes to mind when you hear the anthem mentioned? Is it the one you heard most often as a kid? The one that gave you goosebumps? Or perhaps the one that keeps showing up on social media? We decided to explore some of the most beloved versions of the National Anthem , as well as the most unforgettable performances. Let’s see if your favorite made the list!

1
Cher – Super Bowl of 1999

Image: Daniel Robert Dinu

Many consider Cher’s rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999 to be their favorite. Her velvety voice left some speechless—especially those who had only ever heard her sing pop!

The star brought her signature stage presence to the performance. Her deep, resonant voice filled the stadium. Dressed in a sleek, glittering gown, Cher let her vocals take center stage while elaborate choreography unfolded nearby.

2
Marvin Gaye – NBA All-Star Game (1983)

Image: Jon Tyson

Marvin Gaye’s rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game was truly unforgettable. It remains one of the most iconic performances of the anthem. With a modern backing beat , the "Prince of Soul" infused the song with his signature smooth vocals and soulful style.

Featuring a slow, deliberate tempo and a drum machine backing track, Gaye encouraged the audience to clap along to the beat and created a unique, signature version.

3
Luther Vandross – Super Bowl of 1997

Image: Coppa Cover

The maestro of love ballads brought his signature smooth style to his version at Super Bowl XXXI in 1997 at the Louisiana Superdome.

Known for his romantic R&B hits, Luther Vandross infused the anthem with soul. Accompanied by slow drums and warm synths, he delivered a heartfelt and respectful rendition—with a distinctive ’90s twist.

4
Lady Gaga – Super Bowl of 2016

Image: Daniel Lazar

Lady Gaga was already an Academy Award nominee and multiple Grammy winner when she was invited to showcase her vocal prowess at Super Bowl 50.

She did not disappoint! Her powerful, theatrical voice delivered a vibrating version, accompanied only by a subtle piano. Dressed in glittering versions of the national colors, she moved the entire stadium.

5
Beyoncé – Presidential Inauguration of 2013

Image: Paul Weaver

"Queen Bey’s" performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner " at President Barack Obama’s second inauguration in 2013 was a moment of vocal brilliance.

Backed by a full, blaring orchestra , the global superstar showcased her impeccable voice control and a palpable sense of respect for the ceremony. While rumors swirled afterward about whether she had used a backing track—a claim she later addressed—the performance itself was undeniably impactful.

6
Diana Ross - Super Bowl of 1982

Image: Dave Adamson

What a voice! And she did it first ! Diana Ross was the first pop star to sing the national anthem at a Super Bowl. She took the mic and delivered an a cappella rendition for the entire stadium and viewers across the country—a feat that would have required courage from a less incredible singer!

The entire stadium joined in, creating an unforgettable, intimate feeling moment that ended in an uproar of cheers. Truly, a goosebump-inducing performance!

7
Jennifer Hudson – Super Bowl of 2009

Image: Ben Mater

Jennifer Hudson brought many to tears with her performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XLIII in 2009. Already an Academy Award winner and celebrated musician, the American Idol star had firmly established herself as a force to be reckoned with.

Fans also cherished this performance as Hudson’s first public appearance following the tragic loss of three family members. Her powerful delivery was filled with chilling resilience.

8
Aretha Franklin & Aaron Neville – Super Bowl XL (2006)

Image: Ricardo IV Tamayo

The combined vocal power of Aretha Franklin and Aaron Neville at Super Bowl XL in 2006 resulted in a truly unforgettable rendition.

The undisputed Queen of Soul paired with Neville—renowned for his angelic falsetto—for a masterclass in soulful delivery . Backed by an impressive choir, the two legends crafted a unique and deeply moving performance.

9
Duke Ellington - Carnegie Hall Concerts

Image: Volodymyr Hryshchenko

Duke Ellington, the legendary composer and bandleader, graced the nation with his unique interpretation of "The Star-Spangled Banner" on multiple occasions, most notably during his Carnegie Hall concerts in the 1940s.

Renowned for his innovative big band jazz style, Ellington infused the anthem with swing and sophistication, creating a rendition that was both patriotic and unmistakably his own. His arrangement featured a dynamic brass section and lively percussion—timeless and elegant!

10
Jimi Hendrix – Woodstock in 1969

Image: Odair Faléco

Jimi Hendrix’s rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Woodstock deserves a place on the podium. It remains one of the most iconic—and controversial—performances of the anthem.

Known for his revolutionary electric guitar playing and psychedelic rock style, Hendrix reimagined the traditional melody as a powerful statement against the Vietnam War. While some found it disrespectful, others viewed it as a raw and relevant reflection of the era’s turbulence.

11
Whitney Houston – Super Bowl of 1991

Image: Roland Kay-Smith

Finally, the performance that many consider their all-time favorite: Whitney Houston’s. We should bear in mind that her rendition was so powerful that it even reached the Billboard Hot 100 faster than any of her previous hits!

Released as a single, the version raised funds for soldiers and the families of those involved in the Persian Gulf War. With one of the greatest voices of her generation and an undeniable passion for her country, Houston delivered a truly unforgettable anthem.

General General 4 min read

DID YOU KNOW THESE 10 REGIONALISMS?

Asking for a pancake in Michigan: 10 American foods with varying names

Image: charlesdeluvio

Like love, food is a universal language that bonds us together through shared experiences. However, much like love, the world of food and dishes can also change its names from place to place. Listed below are ten examples of everyday foods that are known by different names in various parts of the country. Stick around until the end, and you will learn some curiosities, including where you should ask for a mango if you want a bell pepper!

1
Pancakes

Image: Ala

Imagine you are a tourist in Michigan and decide to go for pancakes. You enter a suitable establishment, sit at the counter, and ask… what, exactly? Yes, most people call them pancakes, and there is a fair chance that you will receive just that without further questions, but if you want to speak like a local, you will ask for flapjacks .

The "flap" part of flapjack is derived from the word the British used to mean "flip." As for the "jack" part, historians say it may refer to the small size of the pancake because "jack" referred to something that was small. You’ll hear pancakes more in the North and flapjacks in the South, but there are exceptions, such as the Flapjack Shack in Traverse City, Michigan.

2
Dessert Toppings

Image: Kate Trysh

For many Americans, dessert toppings for ice creams and milkshakes are like cheese on a pizza: a must. If you happen to be one of them and are visiting New England, you should know that the local word for toppings is " with jimmies. "

Jimmies are a subgroup of the larger category of dessert toppings known as sprinkles, although people across the U.S. might use the terms interchangeably. Jimmies are cylindrical sprinkles, but some people use the word to refer specifically to chocolate or colored varieties. As for round sprinkles, they are technically marketed as nonpareils.

3
Cold Sandwiches

Image: Allen Rad

The word "sandwich" has come to represent practically any food that is stuffed between two pieces of bread and can be eaten—usually—with your hands. But in certain regions of America, this ubiquitous food item goes by different names.

Pennsylvania has its own term: hoagie . Back in the day, the Italian-American community lived in an area called Hog Island, and local cooks were known for their big "Hog Island Sandwiches," which eventually became known as "hoagies." In New England, many people call a sandwich a grinder . That’s because it’s traditionally made from Italian bread, which has a thicker crust than the typical sandwich bread.

4
Stuffing or Dressing?

Image: Louis Hansel

In the northern parts of the U.S., stuffing refers to the thick mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs or croutons often used to fill poultry dishes.

But, in the southern parts of the country, the word used to describe that is dressing . Yes, the same word that is used in the North to describe any kind of liquid topping for salads. It can be confusing, right?

5
Pop or Soda?

Image: Taylor Swayze

Soft drinks are referred to by different names in different parts of the country. If you are on the East Coast, along the Illinois-Missouri border, in southeastern Wisconsin, California, or nearby areas, you probably call it soda .

However, if you are from the Great Plains region or the Midwest, you likely refer to it as pop . And, if you refer to it as Coke or cola —whether it’s Coca-Cola or something else—you’re most likely from the South.

6
Jelly donuts as Bismarck

Image: Leon Ephraïm

Jelly donuts are quintessentially American. These delicious pastries filled with sweet jelly are everywhere—and for good reason. However, in the midwestern region of the country, as well as in Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada, jelly donuts have a different name altogether.

That is because the German immigrants who settled in the region named the dessert "Bismarck" after the 19th-century Prussian chancellor, Otto von Bismarck because those pastries were a favorite snack of his.

7
Milkshakes as "frappes"

Image: Sebastian Coman Photography

A milkshake and a frappe are pretty much the same thing across most of the country—and even the world, we dare say. However, that’s not the case in New England. If you were to ask for a milkshake in that area, you would receive a slightly different—but equally delicious—beverage.

Nearly everywhere else in the U.S., a milkshake is made with milk, ice cream, and syrup blended together. But in New England, that's a recipe for a frappe . A milkshake in that part of America consists of just milk and syrup, shaken or blended until a foamy head appears.

8
Casseroles as a hotdish

Image: sheri silver

A casserole is a warm dish made by layering meat, vegetables, and noodles, along with a can of condensed soup thrown into the mix and then taken to the oven. However, in Minnesota, that same recipe is called a hot dish.

According to Howard Mohr, author of How to Talk Minnesotan , "A traditional main course, hotdish is cooked and served hot in a single baking dish and commonly appears at family reunions and church suppers."

9
Poached Egg vs. Dropped Egg

Image: Unsplash

New England has appeared a couple of times already on this list, and it’s about to make another appearance. In most parts of the country, the cooking technique of gently dropping an egg into boiling water is called "poaching an egg."

But in New England, the name for this technique has a much more literal term, calling this particular preparation a dropped egg .

10
Peppers and Mangoes

Image: Paul Morley

We’ll close this list with perhaps the most curious case of regional naming we came across. In the Midwestern region of the country, a "mango" does not refer to the tropical fruit commonly known as a mango.

Instead, if a midwesterner asks for a mango at a local grocery store, they will receive a mild, green bell pepper . The suggested explanation for this is that as green bell peppers ripen, they develop red-gold splotches that make them look similar to mangos.

Geography Geography 6 min read

NATURAL WONDERS

10 Breathtaking Waterfalls In The U.S. You Should Visit

Image: Jared Erondu

Waterfalls never disappoint. And the United States, with its vast and rich biodiversity, is home to some of the most impressive examples in the world: Niagara Falls, McWay Falls, and Tahquamenon Falls, just to name a few.

From stunning water slides overhanging white sandy beaches to gentle falls on the side of a glacier, here’s a list of 10 of the most dazzling American waterfalls that should be on your travel bucket list. Dive in!

1
Multnomah Falls (Bridal Veil, Oregon)

Image: Karsten Winegeart

Multnomah Falls is, without a doubt, the mother of all the 77 waterfalls that can be found in the gorge of the Columbia River in the state of Oregon. Located 30 miles east of Portland, it is one of the three largest waterfalls in the United States . Multnomah Falls has a staggering drop of 620 feet divided into two sections and is a natural wonderland of breathtaking beauty.

A stone bridge suspended between two cliffs offers the best views. The Benson Bridge, built in 1914, allows you to cross the lower falls and continue along a paved trail to the viewing platform at the top. From this privileged observation point, you’ll be able to appreciate the geology exposed by centuries of flooding. Multnomah Falls is the perfect place for hikers , especially during the autumn months. Its rich natural, cultural, and geological history is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.

2
Bridalveil Fall (Yosemite, California)

Image: PeterBowers

Bridalveil Falls is a 617-foot cascade and is one of the most iconic sights in the Yosemite National Park . This famous waterfall drops to the base in spring and early summer with enough water to spray its visitors with a gentle mist. In winter, Bridalveil Falls offers a soft yellow glow.

The Ahwahneechee tribe believed that Bridalveil Falls was home to a vengeful spirit named Pohono who protected the entrance to the valley and that those leaving should not look directly at the waterfall lest they suffer the curse. They also thought inhaling the mist from the waterfall would help them find someone to marry , hence the name it is known today.

3
Nugget Falls (Juneau, Alaska)

Image: Timon Cornelissen

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and crystal-clear lakes, Nugget Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the United States. Although it’s a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts , the scenery alone provides ample reasons for anyone to visit and explore.

Located at the tail end of Alaska's Mendenhall Glacier, these 377-foot falls are formed from a glacial stream making their way to Mendenhall Lake in the course of a two-tiered plunge. They can be accessed by a gravel road, but they are often visited as part of an excursion to Juneau Shore or Mendenhall Lake. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for some tranquil moment in nature, Nugget Falls is sure to provide a memorable experience .

4
Wailua Falls (Līhuʻe, Hawái)

Image: Zane Persaud

You may recognize these waterfalls from their appearance in the opening credits of the hit TV show "Fantasy Island". Or you may have seen them in promotional materials for Kauai, as Wailua Falls are considered the most amazing waterfalls on this scenic Hawaiian island . It is located 5 miles north of downtown Līhuʻe and although there is no walking trail, it can be easily seen from the road.

The double-flow cascade spans an 80-foot drop, thundering and crashing into a small plunge pool below. A lush jungle wall surrounds Wailua Falls, a magnificent site, especially after heavy rains. If you visit in the morning, you may be greeted by a rainbow as the sunlight hits the mist rising from the waterfall . It's an excellent photo opportunity you don’t want to miss!

5
Tahquamenon Falls (Paradise, Michigan)

Image: Dillon Austin

The astonishing Tahquamenon Falls are divided into two equally impressive sections. You can visit the Upper Falls to witness the 200-foot-wide and 48-foot-high cascades before heading to the Lower Falls, a group of five waterfalls that drop around a freshwater island. This area was first popularized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s "The Song of Hiawatha", but long before that, it was used as a hunting and fishing site by the Ojibwa natives .

Nowadays, these rust-colored cascades —the result of tannins released from cedar trees upstream— are known to some as "Root Beer Falls." They are located in Tahquamenon Fall State Park, an ideal location for fishing and swimming during the summer. In winter, it becomes a snow-covered paradise for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing . No matter the time of the year, the natural scenery of Tahquamenon is truly a sight to behold!

6
McWay Falls (Big Sur, California)

Image: Jairo Gonzalez

Located on the stunning California coast, McWay Falls is a true hidden gem. With its crystal clear waters cascading directly onto the white sandy beach, this 80-foot waterfall delights all visitors with its unique beauty . If you are planning to visit Big Sur and you're looking for spectacular views, McWay Falls is a must-see!

The history of McWay Falls dates back to the beginning of the 20th century when the area was acquired by the McWay family. Julia Pfeiffer McWay, a woman with an adventurous spirit and a passion for nature, fought all her life to preserve its native ecosystem. In 1983, the site was donated to the State of California and incorporated into Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, named in honor of Julia's generosity.

7
Crabtree Falls (Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina)

Image: Leslie Cross

North Carolina has many natural wonders that can be enjoyed all year round, and Crabtree Falls is no exception. Although it’s not as popular as other waterfalls in the state, it's a site worth visiting, especially during the warmer months . Located just 45 miles north of Asheville, this 70-foot-high cascade is surrounded by an oak and hickory tree forest.

Originally known as Murphy’s Falls, this area was renamed Crabtree Falls by the National Park Service when the Blue Ridge Parkway was constructed in the 1930s. If you are a flower and plant lover, Crabtree Falls is the place to be . In the spring, visitors can find a magnificent array of wildflowers along the trail, and during the summer, ferns fill the forest with rosebay rhododendrons in bloom.

8
Havasu Falls (Supai, Arizona)

Image: Daniel Hernandez

The Grand Canyon attracts more than 5 million tourists every year and is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. But hidden deep in the canyon, on the Havasupai reservation, there is a breathtaking site little known to most tourists: the Havasu Falls . Being in a protected reserve, a special permit is required to visit. If you're lucky enough to get one, the falls can be accessed by helicopter, horse, or mule. Another option is to hike 10 miles there and back, along a beautiful path of red rocks and ancient pictographs.

Havasu Falls is known for having a fantastic turquoise color due to the high levels of calcium carbonate present in the spring-fed waters of Havasu Creek, the main source of the waterfalls. These high levels also create the 70-degree travertine pools at the top, making them the perfect swimming spot!

9
Palouse Falls (LaCrosse, Washington)

Image: Dave Hoefler

The unexpected beauty of Palouse Falls dominates eastern Washington, attracting thousands of visitors each year to experience the 200-foot drop from a stunning rocky outcrop into a swirling blue pool. The falls are surrounded by striking cliffs and can be seen from several vantage points throughout the State Park, including the trail that hugs the canyon's rim.

Palouse Falls is the result of the last Ice Age , the product of several glacial floods known as the Missoula Floods that swept across the region, creating the unique landscape that amazes us today. If you are feeling adventurous, just pack a tent and prepare to catch one of the best sunset views the country has to offer!

10
Niagara Falls (New York)

Image: Ivan Torres

Last, but certainly not least, Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful sights in the United States and a unique destination that attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. With a width of more than 3,000 feet and a drop of 160 ft, these three magnificent falls —two American and one Canadian— are located 400 miles from New York City. Approximately 600,000 gallons of water flow over the falls every second and the average depth underneath is 170 ft.

Named by the Iroquois tribe, the word Niagara means "thunder of water" . Since its discovery by European settlers in the 17th century, Niagara Falls has become very popular, not only for their beauty but also as a source of energy. Niagara Falls is a marvelous spectacle that will remain in the memory of all those who have the chance to explore it . There’s no doubt about it, everyone should visit Niagara Falls at least once in their lifetime!

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