Nationwide — Singer Laurin Talese carried out “Raise Each Voice and Sing” on the Philadelphia Eagles’ season opener, sparking backlash from NFL followers who criticized the music, dubbed the Black Nationwide Anthem, as divisive and disrespectful to the nation.
Talese, a jazz artist and lifelong Eagles supporter, took the sphere earlier than the Thursday evening conflict towards the Dallas Cowboys, in line with the Each day Mail. Whereas the anthem has grow to be a recurring function at NFL occasions, together with the Tremendous Bowl and Draft, many followers in Philadelphia and on-line voiced anger over its presence.
Inside Lincoln Monetary Discipline, the group’s chatter practically drowned out Talese’s efficiency. On social media, critics blasted the league for persevering with with what they referred to as a “DEI anthem.” One viewer wrote, “Right here we go together with the DEI ‘Raise Each Voice and Sing’ anthem. Ridiculous. Sing the nationwide anthem!” Others referred to as the second “a shame to the NFL and USA.”
Some followers mentioned the problem was not the music itself, however the poor sound high quality. A number of posts complained that Talese’s voice was muffled regardless of utilizing a microphone. “The particular person liable for the sound combine on this ‘Raise Each Voice and Sing’ must be fired,” one consumer wrote, whereas one other claimed the NFL “disrespected the hell out of the girl singing.”
Talese, who has lived in Philadelphia for greater than twenty years, described the chance as a private honor. Forward of the sport, she advised the Eagles she was thrilled to symbolize the town and at last expertise a reside recreation as a performer.
This was not the primary time “Raise Each Voice and Sing” stirred controversy. A choral rendition on the NFL Draft in Inexperienced Bay earlier this yr drew backlash, with some followers mocking it as “gentrified.” The music additionally sparked debate at February’s Tremendous Bowl, although singer Ledisi’s rendition obtained widespread reward.
