All articles tagged with #national anthem
New footage shows Martha Reeves scolding backup singers during anthem rehearsal and then stopping the Star-Spangled Banner mid-song as the Women’s Pro Baseball League opens, a moment that drew laughs and scrutiny over the live performance.
Motown icon Martha Reeves said the WPBL national anthem in Springfield, IL, wasn’t the performance she hoped for, citing wet, windy field conditions and the lack of monitors that made it hard to hear herself; she nevertheless called the historic debut an honor and voiced support for the new league.
The Women’s Pro Baseball League kicked off in Springfield, Illinois, with the New York Heights and Los Angeles Queens, the Queens winning 10-8. On opening day, 85-year-old Motown icon Martha Reeves performed the US national anthem on the mound, but her rendition was notably shaky and drew wide attention as cameras captured audience reactions and players’ faces. The clip exploded on social media, sparking a flurry of memes and commentary about anthem performances, while some defended Reeves and highlighted the song’s notorious difficulty and the age-related vocal challenges for singers.
Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who played Meadow Soprano, sang the national anthem at Citi Field before a Mets game, on the same day it was announced that Sopranos castmate Vincent Pastore had died at 80, a coincidence fans found eerie given the show's lasting impact.
A viral video from a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field shows an older fan slapping a younger fan for not standing during the National Anthem. Cubs security spoke with the striker and the matter was described as resolved, with no ejection or further action requested; police said no report was filed. Online discussion has centered on anthem standing norms, the ethics of the incident, and the appropriate response to confrontations at games.
A Chicago Cubs fan slapped a younger spectator who didn’t stand for the National Anthem at a Cubs–Twins game after telling him to stand; the incident, captured on video, shows the elder man scolding and then striking the younger spectator, who later stands for the remainder of the performance. The clip went viral, and it’s unclear whether any charges will be pursued.
Patti LaBelle's rendition of the national anthem at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia drew heavy backlash for its length and vocal runs, while Jennifer Hudson's rendition of God Bless America was praised; some defended LaBelle as a legendary 82-year-old artist, and the night still featured fireworks and a patriotic atmosphere as the game proceeded.
Patti LaBelle’s rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia drew online backlash, with some calling it disrespectful and others defending the veteran singer; Jennifer Hudson’s rendition of God Bless America before the anthem was widely praised, and despite the controversy, the night featured fireworks and a flyover as the American League won 4-0.
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.