Patti LaBelle MLB Anthem Performance Draws Mixed Reactions
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Patti LaBelle’s MLB anthem performance drew mixed reactions after the Philadelphia singer performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. The performance took place at Citizens Bank Park on July 14.
What happened during Patti LaBelle’s MLB anthem performance
LaBelle closed the pregame ceremony with her rendition of the national anthem. She was accompanied by the Military District of Washington Joint Chorus and the West Point Band, according to Major League Baseball.
The performance formed part of MLB’s celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary. LaBelle, a Philadelphia-area native and longtime Phillies fan, was selected as one of several entertainers with connections to Pennsylvania.
FOX Sports published the full performance after the game. The available video runs for just over two minutes.
Why viewers had different reactions
The performance produced divided responses online. The Independent reported that LaBelle appeared to omit some words and made stylistic changes to parts of the anthem.
Some social-media users criticized the changes and said they preferred a more traditional performance. Others defended LaBelle, pointing to her long career and arguing that she delivered the song in her established vocal style.
Those social-media comments represent individual opinions, not a formal assessment from MLB or the event organizers. MLB’s official channels continued to make video of the performance available after the game.
Who else performed at the MLB All-Star Game?
Jennifer Hudson opened the pregame musical program with “America the Beautiful.” She was accompanied by the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and the Philly Pops.
Actor Miles Teller narrated a presentation about baseball’s role in American life. Philadelphia vocal group Boyz II Men also performed during MLB’s Stand Up To Cancer ceremony at the end of the fifth inning.
American League wins the 2026 All-Star Game
The American League defeated the National League 4-0 after scoring three runs in the first inning. New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger drove in two runs and received the game’s Most Valuable Player award.
American League pitchers held the National League to three hits and recorded 15 strikeouts, according to Reuters’ game report.
The All-Star Game attracted an announced crowd of 43,916 at Citizens Bank Park. It was the 96th edition of MLB’s annual Midsummer Classic.
Current status
The complete Patti LaBelle anthem performance remains available through FOX Sports. LaBelle had not issued a public response to the online criticism in the reports reviewed by ByteTech247 as of July 15.
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