<P> In 2003, the song was performed by the American Idol season two finalists and released as a single, with part of the proceeds going to the American Red Cross . It raised $155,000 for the charity . A word was changed in the released single at the request of one of the finalists who performed the song, Josh Gracin who was also a Marine . The "men" in the line "and I won't forget the men who died" was replaced with "ones" because Gracin felt that both men and women have died, and the word was therefore changed to reflect that fact . It reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it was certified gold by the RIAA the same year . </P> <P> Again, following the death of bin Laden, R&B singer Beyoncé re-released her 2008 cover of the song, the proceeds of which will go to charity . Knowles performed the song on Piers Morgan Tonight on May 5, 2011 . After the performance, her version was released as a single to the iTunes Store . In a statement Knowles said, "I cannot think about anything more appropriate to do to help these families...Almost 10 years (after 9 / 11), it is still so painful for all Americans, especially those who lost loved ones . We were all affected by the tragedies of 9 / 11 and continue to keep the families who lost loved ones close to our hearts ..." Dan Martin of The Guardian felt that the cover was "in contrast" to Knowles' last intervention in national affairs, the Let's Move! Flash Workout fitness initiative . Ronald Mitchell of Newsday commented that "It does our hearts good to see Beyonce work her magic for the greater good ." Knowles later also performed the song for the concert she had on July 4, 2011 along with "Best Thing I Never Had" (2011). Nick Neyland of Prefix Magazine commented that "Beyonce is a natural fit for occasions like this, and she doesn't even break a sweat as she hits the high notes despite the soaring temperatures and humidity in the city . That's the mark of a true pro ." In Beyoncé's version, the end of the second verse is sung "And it's time to make a change", as well as changing, "If I had to start again with just my children and my wife" to "family by my side ." </P> <P> Dolly Parton recorded the song for her 2003 patriotic album, For God and Country . </P>

And i'm proud to be an american where at least i know im free