At a recent Florida Panthers versus Toronto Maple Leafs game, Canadian spectators were subjected to what could be described as one of the most dreadful renditions of O Canada ever performed at a hockey game. The singer, who was reportedly a substitute at short notice, completely bungled the national anthem, failing to remember the lyrics and singing off-key in multiple instances. Fortunately, the singer was assisted by the Leafs supporters present, who helped him finish the song.
Ryan Michael James has been identified as the singer. He now tells
City News in Toronto that he had only two hours to learn the national anthem of Canada before his appearance on a nationwide broadcast.
I found out two hours before that I was actually going on. I had two hours to learn the national anthem for Canada, of which I was not familiar with before doing the gig.
According to James, he was informed that the lyrics would be projected on a screen while he performed the song.
They were not. As much as I rehearsed it, I panicked and couldn't get back to where I needed to be.
During his interview with City News, James expressed regret for his mistake in the lyrics and maintained that it was unintentional. He apologized for the blunder.
Canada, I am so sorry for flubbing the lyrics. I promise it was not intentional.
Say what you will about James, apologizing after a mistake like that on national TV takes guts.
Source:
City TV
