College Football Fans Criticize National Anthem Performance Ahead of Trump's Arrival
Viewers expressed disappointment and mockery online over a rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' at a major college football game.
College football fans widely criticized a performance of the national anthem prior to the highly anticipated SEC showdown between No. 1 Texas and No. 14 Tennessee on Saturday. The pre-game rendition drew significant negative attention on social media, overshadowing the patriotic prelude to former President Donald Trump's scheduled appearance at Neyland Stadium.
ESPN's College GameDay broadcast briefly featured the performance, which included a flyover by two F-35 Lightning fighter jets and a KC-135 Stratotanker over the 101,915-seat venue. However, the singer's delivery of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' failed to impress many viewers.
Online reactions included comments such as, 'This Tennessee national anthem is the most unserious thing I’ve ever heard,' and 'What was that national anthem in Knoxville.' Another user questioned the performance, stating, 'What was happening during that Tennessee national anthem? Gotta sing or play it, can not do both yikes..'