Here's what Jim Nabors said about fans singing at events

Would Gomer Pyle attend a Wicked singalong?

December 19, 2024, 10:32AM By MeTV Staff

CBS Television Distribution

Sometimes, there can be controversy at the movie theater when people participate. Especially with musical adaptations, like Wicked, when folks are already familiar with the source material, they can be tempted to sing along with the movie. They've heard the songs plenty of times, so now it's their chance to interact with the newest release. However, that's not what everybody wants from their moviegoing experience. Some are more in favor of leaving the singing to the professionals.

Theaters have mitigated the issue by implementing special sing-along screenings. That way, everybody who wants to can belt along to the third act's big crescendo. It's a hard thing to enforce, but small steps like these could make a more enjoyable experience for both sides of the "controversy."

One famous face who was seemingly in favor of a more participatory experience was Jim Nabors. For decades, Nabors was the voice of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, proudly performing "Back Home in Indiana" each year at the Indy 500. However, towards the end of his life, health issues precluded him from the yearly tradition. Instead, race representatives flew to his home in Hawaii to film the golden-voiced TV star so the tradition could live on.

In an interview with 24-Hour News 8, Nabors said that the fans should sing in his place in the years to come.

"Let them sing out with their heart because it’s such a wonderful song and it makes you feel like you’re at home,” he said.

It was a legendary tradition. However, when asked how he felt Nabors made it clear that he never felt he was a legend in his own time.

“I never thought about myself as that. I don’t have that kind of ego, and I just always loved people, enjoyed being around them. And of course, they are so wonderful here,” he said.

While it might not be the same as singing over Elphaba's big sustained Db5 riff in "Defying Gravity," Nabors certainly favored the crowd joining in and enjoying themselves during his performances.