The Success of Failing!

On April 25, 2003, a thirteen year old girl who had won a singing competition prepared to sing the national anthem at an NBA game. Natalie Gilbert had been singing the national anthem at large events including NBA games since she was 8, but tonight was special. She was chosen from among 6 finalists and would perform at this key game in the first round of the playoffs.

She had been sick with the flu and had an ear infection. She wanted to do a great job tonight in front of the 21,000 people in her hometown arena and the millions watching on television around the world. Natalie stepped into the spotlight at center court and began to sing with the voice of an angel. Such a clear, beautiful voice; listening to her was joy and the huge crowd listened in silent awe.

But when Natalie reached “twilights last gleaming,” she mistakenly sang “starlight’s last gleaming”. And then she stopped singing. She stood there alone and quiet in front of all those people. Natalie had blown her big chance. Some fans started yelling and whistling. She started to cry and looked around searching for help.

Then something amazing happened. The Portland Trailblazers’ coach Maurice Cheeks left his team, walked up to Natalie, put his arm around her, moved the mike up to her mouth and gently said “come on, sing”. He started singing the national anthem and motioning for her to follow him. He was not a good singer and didn’t know the words well. But Natalie started singing.

She stumbled a few times and then found the strength to continue. Her voice became stronger, clearer and warmer. The fans started to sing along, too, their voices rising and filling the arena. She finished with everyone in the arena accompanying her like a huge choir. People who were there say the energy in the place was amazing and they still talk about it with a warm smile.

What happened next is amazing?

Natalie became famous. The story was picked up by newspapers and magazines around the world. She was interviewed on Good Morning America and other national television shows. She captured the attention of scouts and voice teachers. She visited Julliard and began studying with a great opera singer and coach. People everywhere talked about her performance.

So what would have happened if she didn’t forget the words and sang flawlessly, brilliantly and beautifully as she normally does? Nothing. Nothing would have happened. She would be briefly remembered as another promising kid with a great voice.

Her “failure” turned into a life changing opportunity.