Legendary R&B singer Patti LaBelle faced significant online criticism for her performance of the national anthem at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia. The 82-year-old Grammy winner sang the Star-Spangled Banner at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday evening.
Following the performance, many viewers took to social media to voice their displeasure. Some called the rendition "completely disrespectful to our anthem," while others criticized LaBelle for altering the song. "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,'" one user posted on X.
Another critic wrote, "That was terrible, couldn’t bring back the singer from yesterday?? What an embarrassment for the troops who fight for the country."
However, some fans defended the iconic singer. "She’s had a pretty long career, so I’m not gonna hate on her, but this still wasn’t a great anthem," wrote one user. Another commenter stated, "Patti is 82 and a legend. How many people on this app could do what she just did and not sound like a dying whale? She did a fabulous job."
Despite the online backlash, the anthem was followed by fireworks and a military flyover, which drew applause from the crowd.
Earlier in the pre-game festivities, EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson performed "God Bless America" to widespread acclaim on social media. Users praised Hudson's rendition, with one writing, "Jennifer’s voice hits like a national power surge."
The game itself saw the American League defeat the National League 4-0. In a mid-game tribute, the stadium recreated a scene from the 1993 film "The Sandlot," featuring children and sparklers, before play resumed.