Overview
- Patti LaBelle sang the national anthem at the MLB All‑Star Game in Philadelphia on Tuesday, performing a personalized rendition before a packed crowd at Citizens Bank Park.
- Many viewers on social platforms said she dropped words, extended the song and altered lyrics with added vocal runs, and labeled the performance disrespectful or poor.
- Other fans defended LaBelle, saying she is an 82‑year‑old music legend and urging leniency because of her age and long career.
- Jennifer Hudson’s earlier patriotic performance and the stadium’s fireworks and military flyover drew widespread praise, creating a contrast between online criticism and the live pageantry.
- As of the latest reports there has been no public statement from LaBelle or an official response from MLB, and outlets note that anthem renditions at major events often prompt intense public scrutiny.