Legendary singer Patti LaBelle is facing criticism from some Major League Baseball fans for her performance of the national anthem before the All-Star Game on Tuesday evening. The 82-year-old performed a unique rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, which sparked a divisive reaction among attendees and viewers.
Following the performance, many took to social media platform X to express their dissatisfaction. One user described the rendition as "horrible" and "completely disrespectful to our anthem." Another commenter stated, "That was terrible, couldn't bring back the singer from yesterday?? What an embarrassment for the troops who fight for the country."
A separate fan commented on the tendency for artists to alter the anthem, saying, "Patti LaBelle is one of our greatest singers, however why people think they have to add their own twist to the National Anthem boggles my mind. Leave it alone. It was not meant to be sung with runs or 'making it your own.'"
LaBelle, often referred to as the "Godmother of Soul," has a long and celebrated career in music. The event took place just ahead of the first pitch of the annual MLB All-Star Game.