Super Bowl 2011: Of Christina Aguilera, Pittsburgh and the National Anthem

Performing the national anthem prior to the Super Bowl has to be a special honor for any singer, but this year there may be more interest than usual in the performance because of the singer, Wexford native Christina Aguilera.

Aguilera's career has been a source of pride for Western Pennsylvania, so her belting out the anthem seems natural.

But it isn't the first time she's sung the anthem prior to a Steelers game. In fact, singing the anthem prior to Pittsburgh sporting events has been something of old hat for XTina (does she still go by that?).

Back in 1990, a 10-year-old Aguilera sang the national anthem on a cold December day at Three Rivers Stadium prior to the Steelers' 24-3 victory against the New England Patriots. The game was notable for another reason as well—it was Chuck Noll's 200th victory.

Ten years later, this time a pop sensation, Aguilera donned a Pittsburgh Pirates jersey and belted out the anthem at the last Pirates home opener at Three Rivers Stadium, a performance delayed a day by rain.

It's our belief her performance will be much more like Whitney Houston's prior to Super Bowl XXV than Bobby Vinton's prior to the 1990 National League Championship Series.