But plans changed when Bob Dylan, a contemporary and personal hero, wasgiven the esteemed honor in October.
I found myself in an unanticipated situation, and had conflicting emotions.
In his absence, was I qualified for this task?
Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP Images
Would this displease Bob Dylan, whom I would never desire to displease?
Unaccustomed to such an overwhelming case of nerves, I was unable to continue.
I hadnt forgotten the words that were now a part of me.
I was simply unable to draw them out.
Smith apologized to the crowd, which applauded encouragingly.
She then asked the band to start over and ultimately completed the song.
Read Smiths full essay atThe New Yorker, and catch her performance below.
