All articles tagged with #national anthem
Patti LaBelle faced online backlash for a perceived twist on the national anthem at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia, though some defended the veteran singer. Jennifer Hudson delivered a widely praised rendition of 'America the Beautiful' before the anthem, and the night featured patriotic tributes, fireworks, and a 4-0 American League win.
The Independent reports that Alexis Wilkins, Kash Patel’s girlfriend and a country singer, performed the national anthem at President Trump’s Great American State Fair on the National Mall. Reactions were largely critical online, with comments about the autotune and comparisons to Lara Trump, though some defended her performance. Wilkins said she volunteered and wasn’t paid, while critics questioned how she landed the gig amid funding controversies around Freedom 250, which has public financing. Trump used the event to deliver campaign-style remarks as part of the 250th anniversary celebration.
Alexis Wilkins, Kash Patel’s girlfriend, performed the national anthem at Trump’s Great American State Fair kickoff on the National Mall, organized by Freedom 250. The online reception was mixed—some criticized the rendition while others defended it, with one quip comparing it favorably to Lara Trump. Wilkins said she was invited to sing on her own accord and wasn’t paid, while critics noted the event’s politicized nature and questions about its public funding.
Alexis Wilkins, Kash Patel’s longtime girlfriend, says she was invited to perform the national anthem at the Freedom 250 event on the National Mall as several artists pull out; she emphasizes the booking is voluntary, she is not being paid, and the event is funded by Freedom 250, a Trump‑controlled nonprofit, which is launching a 16‑day Great American State Fair ahead of Independence Day.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel complained that a wall of photographers blocked his view during the national anthems, prompting FIFA to relocate photographers into a tighter huddle near the halfway line to give the coaching staff an unobstructed view. The change has been trialed in Atlanta and was first applied in Dallas' Group L, with stadium constraints at AT&T Stadium cited as a contributing factor.
Clint Dempsey publicly clashed with Jesse Marsch after Marsch suggested US staff sometimes had to beg players to sing the national anthem; Dempsey defended his patriotism and urged Marsch to stay in his lane, while Marsch praised Canada’s players before World Cup 2026 games as the US prepared to open the tournament.
Clint Dempsey blasted Jesse Marsch on Fox for questioning American players’ anthem singing, saying he won’t take advice from someone who “switched to the other side” and highlighting his own sacrifices for the U.S.; the clash comes as Marsch coaches Canada into the 2026 World Cup.
Zac Brown defended his decision to sing the national anthem at the UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House lawn, saying it’s patriotism for the troops rather than politics as about 8,000 active service members are expected to attend; he called the appearance an honor and noted his UFC fandom, with fights including Topuria–Gaethje and Pereira–Gane and the ceremony streaming on Paramount+.
Charlie Puth delivered a choral-backed rendition of the National Anthem at Super Bowl LX in Levi’s Stadium, performing on a Rhodes with a full choir and orchestra; he aimed to inspire the crowd and honor Whitney Houston.
Charlie Puth kicked off Super Bowl LX with a piano-led rendition of the National Anthem at Levi's Stadium, backed by a band; the pre-game slate included Coco Jones and Brandi Carlile, with Navy and Air Force aircraft performing a flyover as Bad Bunny prepares to headline the halftime show.
Charlie Puth sang the national anthem at Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, delivering a 1:56 performance on a Rhodes electric piano with a choir and horn section; the 34-year-old pop singer, known for hits like See You Again, is releasing his fourth album Whatever’s Clever! on March 6, with pre-game and post-anthem performances by other artists planned.
For Super Bowl LX, Charlie Puth will sing the national anthem, Brandi Carlile will perform America the Beautiful, and Coco Jones will sing Lift Every Voice and Sing (the Black national anthem), joining a slate of performances that also includes Bad Bunny at halftime and Green Day in the pre-show.
Charlie Puth will sing the national anthem at Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara before the New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium. He described the anthem as beautiful but the hardest to sing and said he submitted a demo to Roc Nation, with NFL involvement, to earn the spot. The piece also recounts his background, fame, and notes on how anthem selections have been made in past years (Jon Batiste in 2025, Reba McEntire in 2024, Chris Stapleton in 2023).
A boxing event between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford at Allegiant Stadium will skip all national anthems, including Mexico's, marking a rare departure from tradition, possibly influenced by promoter Dana White's preference for a faster-paced event, despite the significance of the occasion.
Beyonce performed most of the US national anthem at a concert near the White House on Independence Day, stopping before the end to highlight ongoing American issues, and opened with a song reflecting on America's past and resilience, turning the event into a subtle political statement.