NFL fans on social media were left split by the annual performance of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ before the season opener in Seattle on Wednesday night.
Washington natives, The Mwango Sisters, delivered a stirring rendition of the song better known as the ‘Black National Anthem’, and fans inside the stadium reacted with applause.
At home, though, the opinion was far more mixed, with many believing the song should not be sung before every major sporting event.
One wrote: ‘We’re still doing Life Every Voice in 2026? Why?’, while another added: ‘Enough with the Lift Every Voice garbage.’
Another X user added: ‘The USA has one national anthem and that is not it.’
There was plenty of positivity too, though, with some fans praising the young singers’ ‘beautiful’ vocals.
The Mwango Sisters produced a brilliant rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing in Seattle
Some fans in the stands appeared perplexed by the song being performed before the game
One claimed: ‘So moved by the Lift Every Voice just now. Bawling my eyes out over here.’
While not performed before every game, the song has become commonplace in the NFL – with renditions in recent months at the Super Bowl and Draft.
There was some confusion on Wednesday night over NBC’s decision to focus on glum-looking white fans in the stands, some of whom did not appear to be fazed by the performance in front of them.
One viewer noted: ‘The broadcast only putting white people who either aren’t paying attention or look uncomfortable on camera during Lift Every Voice and Sing is sending me.’
The NFL first brought in pre-game performances of the black national anthem ahead of the start of the 2020 season, in direct response to the racial-justice protests following George Floyd’s murder.
The song was performed before each of the 16 Week 1 games, and the league has continued to use it on regular occasions since.
Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready plays the national anthem ahead of the Patriots-Seahawks
Some fans didn’t enjoy the acoustic version of the Star-Spangled Banner in Washington
On Wednesday night in Seattle, a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner was also not particularly well-received by fans on social media.
Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready performed the official national anthem to the west-coast crowd, but many were left wanting more from the acoustic version.
‘Absolutely horrific,’ one said, adding: ‘An affront to our National Anthem.’
Another said: ‘Yikes. A lot of respect for Pearl Jam but that was rough.’
