‘Patriotic’ Natalie Grant Says Singing National Anthem at GOP Debate Was a ‘Privilege’

Last week before the first GOP presidential debate kicked off, Christian singer and songwriter Natalie Grant had the “privilege” of performing America’s national anthem. Appearing on “Fox and Friends” live from Milwaukee the morning of Aug. 23, Grant described how she was feeling ahead of her scheduled performance that evening.

When asked if she was political or patriotic, the nine-time Grammy nominee responded that she is patriotic. “I love my country. I love our anthem,” said Grant. “And it’s just an honor and a privilege.” Her stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was televised nationally on Fox News, which aired the first debate of 2024 Republican presidential hopefuls.

Natalie Grant Says She Leaves Politics to Others

Grant told “Fox and Friends” hosts she keeps politics “to those who know how to do that best and talk about it best.” Singing the national anthem “isn’t about endorsing a candidate or a party,” the 51-year-old insisted.

“At a time when public faith in our democracy is low, I’m excited to be a part of the democratic process by doing what I do best, and that’s performing,” she added. “I’ve had the distinct privilege of singing at events for both Republicans and Democrats in the past, and this is no different. It’s a privilege.”

When Grant posted a clip of her pre-debate anthem performance on Instagram, it did spark some political debate by commenters, however.

Grant also sang the national anthem at the College Football Playoff national championship game in January 2022, causing her name to trend on social media. The song is difficult to perform because of the nerves involved, Grant said last week. “I don’t want a viral clip of me singing the words wrong.”

Natalie Grant’s New Album ‘Seasons’ Releases Oct. 6

During her “Fox and Friends” appearance, Grant had the opportunity to plug her new album, due out Oct. 6. The five-time GMA Female Vocalist of the Year said “Seasons” is filled with cover songs from different seasons of her life.

“Dick Clark said music is the soundtrack of our lives, but for me, it’s been Jesus and Jesus music that’s been the soundtrack of my life,” Grant said. “And so these are just songs that have meant a lot to me.”

“Seasons” features powerhouse duets from performers including Tauren Wells, Cory Asbury, Dolly Parton, and CeCe Winans. Grant described the lineup as a “dream come true,” saying she bravely “kept asking” people to collaborate with her, “and they just kept saying yes.”