Mary J. Blige Talks to Chelsea Lately About How She Was Nervous Singing at the World Series

Songstress opens up about the bout of anxiety that seized her before one of her biggest gigs ever

By Josh Grossberg Nov 27, 2013 3:56 PMTags
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Mary J. Blige has been on the music scene for over two decades now, but that doesn't mean she doesn't still isn't fearful of performing. 

Swinging by Tuesday's edition of Chelsea Lately, the R&B diva dished to Chelsea Handler about how apprehensive she was to sing the National Anthem at the World Series.

When asked by the funny lady how she calmed herself down before appearing on one of sports' biggest stages, which saw the Boston Red Sox take on the St. Louis Cardinals, the 42-year-old Blige admitted it's difficult, if not impossible.

"I mean before I go up there, I pray myself up, get my courage and then I go out there and I just do what I'm supposed to do," she said. "I mean people don't care about me being afraid, but I'm nervous. Something that big I'm consistently nervous through the whole thing."

The Share My World hitmaker added that it was only when she was close to finishing the anthem that she started relaxing. 

"But while I'm doing it, you're shaking the whole time because you want to get it right," she said. "You want people to love what you did singing the National Anthem."

On the eve of Thanksgiving, Handler pointed out that Blige has a lot to be thankful for in 2013, especially since she's headed to Oslo, Norway next week where she has the honor of performing at the the Nobel Peace Prize concert.

"This is a big year for you, girlfriend," noted Chelsea.

"I'm so grateful," Blige replied.

The singer is currently making the media rounds to promote her acting role in the new musical drama, Black Nativity, which hits theaters today.