Soprano Expert Weighs In On Lady Gaga's SB50 Performance

Lady Gaga's version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" was heard live by over 70,000 fans at Levi's Stadium during Super Bowl 50. Hundreds of millions more were tuning in to their TV screens all over the world.

Naturally, Gaga's performance drew countless reactions on social media from mostly everyone who watched the game, including a professional soprano who was more than delighted to give her expert opinion on Gaga's piece.

Catherine Bott of Classic FM said the 29-year old American pop singer was nearly flawless in her approach to the song. Her diction, intonation and emotion were on key for the event. However, some dramatic embellishments could have been lessened.

"There's no doubt about it: Lady Gaga has a powerful, well-produced dramatic soprano voice, and admirable breath control," explained Bott. "Both of which were essential in the less-than-ideal surroundings of a giant stadium.

Bott added that Gaga's pauses between lines prolonged the song considerably, but it also sentimentalized the hymn. The musical expert noted that the pianist accompanying Gaga was also adept at properly complementing the singer's spontaneity.

"With the emotions reined in a bit and a stricter sense of tempo, this performance of America's favourite patriotic song could have been even more effective," she said. "But she is a sincere and compelling artist."

Speaking of artists, a few celebrities took to Twitter to praise Gaga for her performance. They didn't seem to mind the musical technicalities of the piece.

Actress and director Elizabeth Banks said the combination of Gaga's voice, the troops and the jet that flew over made her teary-eyed. Kiss frontman Gene Simmons was impressed by the performance and thought that Gaga did a "solid job."

Fashion model Gigi Hadid revealed that she was still having goosebumps minutes after Gaga crooned the now-iconic rendition. Comedienne and television host Ellen DeGeneres made light of the situation and said she was glad she let Gaga borrow her red jumpsuit.

Despite the positive response, Gaga's take on the national anthem became the subject of a lucrative betting controversy. Almost every aspect of the Super Bowl has been betted upon, and the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" is no exception.

The Washington Post reported that people also bet on whether the singer would go over or under the average time of two minutes and 20 seconds. Gaga's rendition went over by just two seconds. However, pundits are still debating exactly when the song ended since Gaga sang "the brave" twice.

Popular betting outlet Bovada acknowledged the correct time to be two minutes and 9 seconds, which was when Gaga finished singing the first "the brave." Needless to say, the confusion wasn't well received by the betting circles, who were quick to speculate a conspiracy theory.