SOUL CRUSHING

Music Icon Dragged Online for National Anthem Performance

Patti LaBelle is getting no stars for her singing.

Soul artist Patti LaBelle, 82, is the target of online backlash after performing the national anthem at the MLB All-Star Game. “That’s one of the many ‘I Despise America’ versions‚” one angry user wrote in a comment under the MLB’s post on X. The two-time Grammy winner was introduced as the “godmother of soul” on Tuesday night at Citizens Bank Park in her native Philadelphia. LaBelle added her own soulful twists. In the song’s conclusion, she elongated “home of the...” and drowned out the word “brave.” “Why people think they have to add their own twist to the National Anthem boggles my mind. Leave it alone,” one user shared. “That was utter dogs--t i want to be deaf,” another wrote. The MLB released the clip of LaBelle’s performance on its YouTube channel, calling it “FABULOUS,” and many users have defended the R&B icon’s legendary status. “GET OVER IT,” one user said. “SHE’S THE FACE OF PHILLY.” LaBelle’s high-profile performances include her appearance at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where she sang her 1978 single You Are My Friend.