Betsy Wolfe’s ‘worst sober’ National Anthem rendition on MLB Opening Day sparks outrage

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Broadway veteran Betsy Wolfe took center stage at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, March 27, for her rendition of the National Anthem before the opening game of this season's Major League Baseball (MLB), but it didn’t go as planned.

Instead of applause, the Tony-nominated actress faced a firestorm of criticism for what many are calling one of the worst renditions of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' in recent memory, Daily Mail reported.

Betsy Wolfe’s 'embarrassing' National Anthem rendition at MLA season opener

Betsy Wolfe's performance before the New York Yankees’ opening game against the Milwaukee Brewers, quickly went viral. Fans didn’t just pan her vocals, they claimed she was reading the lyrics off her phone. Social media exploded with reactions, some cringing, others outrightly mocking her effort.

“Anybody that has to read the lyrics off their phone shouldn’t be allowed to sing. Especially since it’s the Star Spangled Banner,” one wrote on X.

Another added, “Worst sober national anthem maybe.”

One user quipped, “Wow! How Embarrassing Singing of National Anthem for Opening Day at Yankee Stadium. And she also Needed her Cell Phone to Remember the Words. Really! Is this the Best You Could Get/Afford for Opening Day?”

A user wrote, “They should just start having an actual U.S. Military Band perform the anthem. The extra "notes" she added were not necessary. And, she needed to read the lyrics from a cell phone. Disgraceful.”

Another user griped, “Whose voice is this Darian Trotter?”

Wolfe, best known for her roles in 'Waitress', 'Falsettos', and & 'Juliet', had the honor of kicking off the season in the Bronx but the moment turned sour when cameras caught her glancing down mid-song, fueling speculation that she needed help remembering the words of the National Anthem.

Meanwhile, the Yankees won the game 4-2.

How to watch MLB 2025

The 2025 Major League Baseball season is starting earlier than ever, with the official Opening Day on Thursday, March 27.

While the season technically began last week with the Dodgers and Cubs facing off in Japan, the real action starts now as 26 teams hit the field for a full slate of games.

One final Opening Day matchup, featuring the Colorado Rockies and Tampa Bay Rays, is scheduled for Friday, March 28.

This season you can watch MLB games across multiple platforms this season. Here’s where you can find the games throughout the year:

ESPN and FOX: These channels will braodcast national games, including Sunday Night Baseball

Apple TV+: Will feature exclusive Friday night matchups

The Roku Channel: It is the new home of Sunday Leadoff games

Regional Sports Networks (RSNs): These will cover games of local teams

MLB.TV: It is a great way to catch all your favorite teams' out-of-market games live with full season access available for free with select streaming packages

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