Newly surfaced footage captures Motown star Martha Reeves expressing dissatisfaction with her backup singers shortly before a widely panned performance of the U.S. national anthem at a women's professional baseball game. The incident occurred last week at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois, during the inaugural game of the Women's Pro Baseball League.
The clip, obtained by The Daily Mail, depicts the 85-year-old singer, known for hits like "Dancing in the Street," critiquing the two women accompanying her during a rehearsal in the stands. Reeves can be heard questioning their pitch and stating, "I don't think I need them."
A stadium worker then intervenes, informing Reeves she is speaking within earshot of the entire stadium, leading to an awkward moment.
Following the backstage exchange, the trio proceeded to the field for a final rehearsal before the main event. The performance itself was met with significant criticism on social media, with many commentators noting that the singers appeared to be off-key and not in unison. One user on X commented, "This was a terrible way to kick off the new league," while another observed, "She and these other two ladies she's singing with are singing in different keys."
Reeves, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, later issued a statement addressing the performance. She explained that the adverse conditions, including wet and windy weather and a lack of stage monitors, affected her ability to hear herself. "While it wasn't the performance I had hoped for," Reeves stated, "I'm grateful to have been there in support of these remarkable athletes and this groundbreaking league."