All-Star Game
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 14: Patti Labelle performs the national anthem before the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Music

Internet Blasts Music Icon Over National Anthem Performance

This couldn’t have been the reaction the singer wanted when she returned to her hometown to perform the national anthem at the All-Star Game. 

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This couldn't have been the reaction Patti LaBelle wanted when she returned to her hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, last night, July 14, to perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. 

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The "Lady Marmalade" singer, who is still going strong at the age of 82, seized the moment and tried to make the national anthem her own. But judging by the online reaction, it seems she fell short of that goal. 

What Did Patti LaBelle Do At the Midsummer Classic?

Standing at home plate in front of a choir of American military members and the sold-out crowd at Citizens Bank Park, LaBelle put a distinctive spin on the song. 

For nearly two minutes, the "Godmother of Soul" held onto notes that are typically short, showing off her vocal range. This was never more apparent than when she belted out a high note during the song's final line: "home of the brave." But instead of saving it for the final word, she did it on the word "the."

The all-star players and those in the stands appeared to be enthralled with the performance. Even the members of the military who accompanied LaBelle seemed to enjoy her take.

But those at home didn't seem to share that sentiment. 

Someone Called LaBelle's Performance "an Embarrassment"

Many viewers took to X to share their opinion on LaBelle's performance of the anthem. And with the internet being what it is, the loudest voices got the most attention. 

"It was horrible. Completely disrespectful to our anthem," posted one user.

"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,'" added another.

Someone shared that they wanted U.S. Navy Musician First Class Rachel Coleman, who sang at the Home Run Derby the previous night, back for the All-Star Game. 

They wrote, "That was terrible, couldn't bring back the singer from yesterday?? What an embarrassment for the troops who fight for the country."

However, the hot takes on LaBelle's performance weren't all bad. Many others heaped plenty of praise on the singer.

One user wrote, "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."

Did LaBelle belt it out of the park? Share your take below. 

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