Bebe Rexha and Alessia Cara’s National Anthem Performances Divide Fans at World Series
The Star-Spangled Banner and O Canada, two of the most iconic national anthems in North America, were performed at Game 2 of the World Series on Saturday night. The performances by Bebe Rexha and Alessia Cara, respectively, sparked a wave of mixed reactions from baseball fans across the United States and Canada.
Bebe Rexha, an award-winning recording artist based in Los Angeles, was chosen to perform the U.S. national anthem before the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, her rendition did not sit well with some fans. One angry fan on X described it as “the worst I’ve ever heard.” Another user from Idaho commented that the performance reflected the state of the country, saying, “Worlds series national anthem was terrible like our country is right now.”
Fans took to social media to express their dissatisfaction, with one person asking, “Why can’t anyone just sing the damn anthem the way it was written?” They also noted that Canada does not turn its anthem into a blues song. A joke about Rexha’s name surfaced online: “That National Anthem was just sung by Bebe Wrecks-a-song.”
Despite the criticism, not all fans shared the same sentiment. Some praised Rexha for her effort, with one post stating, “Bebe Rexha performs a stunning performance of the US national anthem at the #WorldSeries.” Another fan called her “an absolute queen and smashed this song right out of the park.”
Canadians, too, had mixed opinions on Alessia Cara’s performance of O Canada. While some praised her as “great” or “incredible,” others argued she was “outperformed by the American Anthem singer.”
Unorthodox Anthems Spark Debate
Before Game 1 of the World Series, a unique performance by the gospel choir group The Voices of Fire, featuring Pharrell Williams, stirred up discussions among fans. The group delivered a stirring rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, followed by an unconventional performance of O Canada. The choir was accompanied by members of a local Toronto orchestra, creating a memorable moment for those in attendance.
Footage of the performance quickly spread on social media, with fans divided over its quality. Some praised the energy and arrangement, with one fan writing, “Pharrell and Voices of Fire just set the tone absolutely electric national anthem before Game 1! The #WorldSeries energy is unmatched.” Another fan expressed emotional appreciation, calling it “the best national anthem performance I’ve seen for the longest time throughout my sports watching life.”
However, not everyone was impressed. Some fans found the performance to be a “biggest waste of time ever,” while others criticized it as “the worst pregame gimmick I’ve ever seen.” Despite the mixed reactions, many were relieved that neither anthem was booed by the crowd.
Injuries and Lineup Changes Impact the Game
A major surprise occurred before Game 2 when Toronto infielder Bo Bichette was scratched from the starting lineup. The two-time All-Star shortstop had returned to action in Game 1 but was replaced due to concerns about his physical condition. Bichette had been recovering from a knee injury sustained earlier in the season.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa took Bichette’s place at second base, while Alejandro Kirk assumed the cleanup spot. Blue Jays manager John Schneider explained that the decision was made to monitor Bichette’s health, stating, “He’ll be ready to play today, for sure.” Bichette’s return to the field marked his first appearance at second base in six years, showcasing his adaptability on the field.
Bichette finished the season with a .311 batting average, ranking second in the league behind Aaron Judge. With the World Series approaching, the 27-year-old is preparing for a potential free agency opportunity.
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