Singing sensation Ashanti recently commanded the attention of sports spectators with her powerful rendition of the U.S. national anthem at the World Series. Although she gave her all, boasting her vocal prowess, netizens felt that the performance was not her best.
User comment about Ashanti, posted on October 30, 2024 | Source: Instagram/fashionbombdaily
Standing center stage on the vast green field of Yankee Stadium, the “Baby” artist began to sing into a bedazzled microphone after being introduced. She performed the anthem ahead of Game 4 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees.
Ashanti performing the U.S. national anthem ahead of Game 4 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees during the World Series in New York on October 29, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Ashanti, who looked beautiful in denim blue jeans, matching boots, a Yankees team t-shirt, and an eye-catching fluffy puffer jacket, belted out the lyrics, adding her own soulful flavor with riffs and falsetto notes.
Ashanti | Source: Getty Images
While the people cheering loudly from the stands appeared to enjoy the music star’s performance, Ashanti received a very different reception online. Many did not hold back in expressing their disdain for how she sounded.
Ashanti | Source: Getty Images
“Nope sounds like somethin [sic] may be in her throat! Gees they will applaud anything! Lol,” opined a Facebooker, while another remarked, “Worst one I’ve ever heard lol.”
Ashanti singing the U.S. national anthem during the World Series, posted on October 30, 2024 | Source: TikTok/mlbonfox
Agreeing with the sentiments, someone else criticized, “She was NOT amazing. She was terrible. Just sing it the way it’s written, or don’t sing it at all.” “Can anyone just sing the song normal and no extra that would be dope [sic],” reiterated an online observer.
Ashanti | Source: Getty Images
More criticism ensued, with yet another social media user on X penning, “That’s [sic] was not good – reminds me of the moaning one.” “This song was WAY out of her range with a few cringe moments.. nonetheless [sic], she still looks beautiful,” reasoned a user.
Similarly, an Instagrammer stated, “Her voice is great but not strong enough for the national anthem. Love the coat ❤️.”
Ashanti | Source: Getty Images
Among the vitriol were a few spectators who sat on the fence. “Not bad, not great,” wrote a commenter, while another expressed, “It was okay until the last half.”
Ashanti posing for a picture, posted on October 29, 2024 | Source: Instagram/mlb and ashanti
One social media user went so far as to compare Ashanti with a late and great legendary singer. “Listen to Whitney Houston performing our National Anthem. She was incredible. Tonight was just okay,” asserted the user.
Whitney Houston performing the U.S. national anthem during the pregame show at Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, Florida on January 27, 1991 | Source: Getty Images
On the other hand, some people diverted their focus to Ashanti’s demeanor. “She looked so unhappy to be there,” noted someone on Facebook. Another highlighted, “She looked so nervous!”
“The bejeweled microphone is ridiculous,” observed an X user who veered away from discussions about the quality of Ashanti’s performance and her look. Another netizen commented, “the [sic] wig cap is a big FAIL.”
Ashanti | Source: TikTok/mlbonfox
Although many criticized the “Happy” artist, some uplifted her with praise. “Amazing! She has a voice for sure! Best one I heard 🥰,” commended a fan, while another swooned, “Literally gave me chills 🥰.”
“And she just had a baby!! She looks and sounds amazing 💕,” gushed an admirer who brought up the son Ashanti welcomed with her partner and music star Nelly earlier this year (2024). A fellow fan praised, “So beautiful and talented!! She deserves more credit.”
Aside from performing at the event, Ashanti, who is reportedly a Yankees fan, was seen supporting her favorite team from the Yankee Stadium grandstands.
Standing next to her was Nelly, who, according to a video shared on X by the official account for Major League Baseball (MLB), is not the biggest Yankees fan.
In the X post, the “Rain on Me” musician can be heard screaming, “Let’s go, Yankees!” after which Nelly says something seemingly in opposition to her cheer, which prompted a big laugh from Ashanti.
