A Seattle NFL preseason event sparked a heated online debate after the Mwango Sisters performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before kickoff. The historic song, often called the Black national anthem, received applause inside the stadium, but reactions online were sharply divided. Some fans praised the singers’ performance, while others questioned why the song continues to be included at NFL events.

Critics argued that the United States already has an official national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and questioned the NFL’s decision to continue featuring another song. Others defended the performance, describing it as moving and powerful, with some viewers saying the rendition brought them to tears.

The debate also focused on the television broadcast. Some viewers criticized the camera shots of spectators, claiming the coverage repeatedly showed white fans who appeared distracted or uncomfortable during the performance. The controversy reflects the broader cultural debate that has surrounded “Lift Every Voice and Sing” since the NFL began featuring it during games in 2020, amid nationwide protests over racial injustice.

The Seattle event also featured Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” acoustically. His version generated its own controversy, with some fans criticizing the arrangement while others praised McCready and his musical career but still felt the anthem performance did not meet expectations.

What was supposed to be a celebration of football’s return quickly became a debate over music, tradition, race, and national identity. The contrasting reactions showed how performances at major sporting events can carry meaning far beyond the music itself, turning a few minutes before kickoff into a major cultural talking point.