Woman Sings "Black National Anthem" Instead of Star Spangled Banner

At Colorado's State of the City address on Tuesday, singer Rene Marie was scheduled to perform the Star Spangled Banner after being selected by the staff of Mayor John Hickenlooper. However, what resulted was a tremendous level of controversy and unhappiness over her attempt at creative expression.

To the shock of everyone in attendance outside of Marie, her husband and one of her friends, the singer decided to perform the song which is considered the "black national anthem," entitled "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing."

Marie never sang the Star Spangled Banner, opting only to sing the "black national anthem" which drew mild applause from the crowd, as well as mass amounts of confusion and controversy.

Marie explained in an interview with 9News in Colorado how she was attempting to express herself as an African-American woman living in the United States. However, prominent political figures in Colorado expressed their displeasure over the song choice, explaining its inappropriateness.

Mayor John Hickenlooper, Governor Bill Ritter, and City Councilman Charlie Brown all gave statements in response to the incident.

Brown said during an interview on a local talk radio program yesterday, "There is no substitute for the national anthem, period. And that's what really bothered me. You know when we fly the flag, the American flag, it's always the highest flag, as it should be. And that didn't come across today, that didn't happen today."