Steven Tyler says national anthem rendition was well thought out

Topics: Music

Steven Tyler performs the national anthem prior to the AFC Championship Game on Jan. 22, 2012, in Foxboro, Mass.

(Credit: Getty)

(CBS/AP) Steven Tyler doesn't get why people criticized his version of the "The Star-Spangled Banner." He says he meant to sing it like that.

The Aerosmith frontman and "American Idol" judge endured plenty of jabs after his rendition of the national anthem at the AFC Championship game last month, but Tyler says he doesn't understand what all the fuss was about.

Pictures: Steven Tyler
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"I don't know," he said. "As I said before, I put emphasis on, 'In the land of the free' and I went up," Tyler explained. "Oddly enough I hit the note so I don't know what they are talking about. I emphasized 'free' which was for freedom. It was well thought out prior to. I wasn't messing with American tradition."

Enduring negative criticism at that football game did not stop Tyler from enjoying pre-Super Bowl festivities with Carrie Underwood. The duo is in Indianapolis for CMT's "Crossroads," which brings acts from different genres together to perform. It's not the first time the two have sung together: They performed a duet at the Academy of Country Music Awards last year.

"I just love to sing and I love her stuff," Tyler said about Underwood.

The two rehearsed Thursday evening in North Greenfield, just outside of Indianapolis, ahead of their scheduled Saturday show (it will air the same night on the network). The former "Idol" champ says she enjoys working with the lively Tyler because he "makes everybody all warm and fuzzy."

Tyler is no stranger to Super Bowl Sunday. He performed the halftime show with Aerosmith in 2001. As for this year's halftime entertainment -- Madonna -- Tyler is a big fan. He told Access Hollywood, "I love that woman. She really gets the big picture."

Tyler recently got engaged to model Erin Brady.

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by bwlewis1964 February 5, 2012 4:19 PM EST: I don't what was worse, his look's or his singing!; Reply to this comment


by sapphyre1120 February 4, 2012 12:59 PM EST: He is a screamer not a singer. Don't confuse the two.; Reply to this comment


by longtree-2009 February 3, 2012 6:11 PM EST: if he meant to sing it like he did, then he was completely disrespectful and insulting to every man and woman who has served in the military during war and peace times. tyler is a jerk if he as badly as he did on purpose. unpatriotic and disrespectful jerk.; Reply to this comment


by tiredofeverything February 3, 2012 5:57 PM EST: He hasn't been able to sing any other time, why would this be any different?; Reply to this comment

by kayers43yahoocom February 3, 2012 4:33 PM EST

Steve Tyler is no Pat Boone! I totally liked his rendition. Maybe they should hire Roseanne next year?

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by erasmus111 February 3, 2012 6:10 PM EST: Yes, they should hire Roseanne next year. She sang it on her show and did a good job.

Of course, even if she made one little mistake, it could mean death threats again, so maybe she shouldn't.

In fact, I don't think anyone should sing it. Too many hatefilled, vicious, violent Americans.


by FireUncleScam February 3, 2012 3:36 PM EST: I thought his performance was great. That's how he has always sung and best of all, he didn't mess up the words.; Reply to this comment


by klusk66 February 3, 2012 3:29 PM EST: Fine job, Steven. Little miscue on the lyric, no big deal. And as far as emphasis on the Free, got no problem with that. You took far less creative license than the majority who sing it. ROCK ON, BROTHER. I will admit that it was way better than the last time you sang it, for sure.; Reply to this comment


by excop1949 February 3, 2012 3:12 PM EST: DON'T BLAME TYLER...BLAME THE IDIOTS THAT ASKED (PAID?) HIM TO DO IT!; Reply to this comment


by 2happy2ride February 3, 2012 2:59 PM EST: See kids...drugs do affect you. A 63 year old man who still wears black fingernail polish, ladies clothing and feathered boas around his neck and we expect something else?; Reply to this comment


by fleetwood1955 February 3, 2012 2:09 PM EST: "there's bombs bursting in air" is not the right verse. I know it's just one word but what's really sad is that you just don't get it. Hey Tyler, it's the National Anthem and you screwed it up! My advice to any pop singer thinking about performing the National Anthem is very simple, DON'T DO IT!"; Reply to this comment