Many football fans said it was the most exciting part of Sunday night’s Super Bowl. In a 13-3 game, they were probably right. I know it was the only time I had goosebumps.

Seventy four-year-old Gladys Knight - looking fabulous, better than ever - appeared on the 50-yard-line and belted out a stunningly elegant rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner.

It was exhilarating.

The Atlanta native, singing as well as she did back in the 1960s and ‘70s when she was with the Pips, clearly enjoyed herself.

The crowd went crazy. The musical legend beamed. 

Who would want to spoil that amazing experience for her? CNN's Don Lemon, of course. The sad carnival barker for a third-rate cable news network. On Monday night he tried to get Ms. Knight to apologize or at least express regret for agreeing to perform the National Anthem.

He even found a crank - Colin Kaepernick’s lawyer, Mark Geragos - to say that singing The Star-Spangled Banner at an NFL football game was akin to crossing a picket line.

“Takin’ the short money.”

The insolence of this guy.

I’m just guessing, but I don’t think Gladys Knight did it for the money. I think she did it for the sheer pleasure of performing in that venue before an estimated 98 million viewers.

Idiotically, Lemon followed up by asking Ms. Knight if she was worried about her future after daring to do what she did Sunday night.

New flash, Lemon: She sang the freaking National Anthem at America’s favorite sports event. How could that be anything but wonderful? She’s had a storied 60-year-singing career. Show a little respect.

Ms. Knight was unapologetic. She talked about loving our country. She seemed wistful for the days when American school children began their days with a prayer and a patriotic song.

Gladys Knight dismantled Don Lemon with grace and dignity. She’s a lady. By contrast, Lemon looked like what he is, a perpetual left-wing sourpuss. He did his best, but even he couldn’t tarnish one of Gladys Knight’s most memorable performances. 

CNN’s ratings are a dumpster fire.

I’m guessing you didn’t see the interview. I  saw it later, in a Tweet. Here it is: