The NFL is facing criticism after allegedly editing a video of Alicia Keys’ performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. It appears that the NFL removed a voice crack that occurred in Alicia Keys’ opening note of “If I Ain’t Got You.” A comparison between the original performance video posted by Twitter user Robert Komaniecki and the edited version on the NFL’s official YouTube channel reveals the discrepancy.
Komaniecki took to Twitter to highlight the difference between the two videos, stating, “Last night [February 11], Alicia Keys’s voice cracked (first video), and fascinatingly, the official NFL YouTube channel appears to be attempting to erase that little moment, having edited it out in their upload (second video).”
Indeed, the second video seems to have been edited, as it lacks the noticeable crack in Alicia Keys’ voice during the opening note. Komaniecki expressed his frustration, emphasizing that live performances can be commended precisely because they are vulnerable to mistakes. He also questioned whether Alicia Keys or her team were consulted about the edit, speculating that they were not due to the fast turnaround.
Other Twitter users joined the conversation, shedding light on the intricacies of live performing. M. Brandon Lee of This Is Tech Today explained that live events like the Super Bowl Halftime Show typically have mixing engineers for the stadium and the broadcast. These engineers often record a multi-track of the performance for archival purposes. Lee suggested that a producer or someone representing Alicia Keys may have requested the edit for the replay, which could have been easily done with auto-tune.
The discussion also highlighted the impressive nature of Alicia Keys’ recovery from the voice crack. Users praised her ability to adjust within the phrase and continue singing in tune. The NFL was commended for allowing Alicia Keys to have some control over how her performance was represented on the internet. Many preferred the honesty of live singing compared to lip-syncing.
However, some criticized the NFL for editing the performance, arguing that in the age of AI, there should be room for honest human mistakes. One user pointed out the vulnerability expressed in the lyrics of “If I Ain’t Got You,” further supporting the original tweet’s perspective.
This incident has sparked a larger conversation about the challenges of live performances and the importance of maintaining authenticity in the digital age.
