NFL fans fume over ‘gentrified’ rendition of black national anthem at 2025 draft

NFL fans fume over 'gentrified' rendition of black national anthem at 2025 draft

The NFL choral rendition of the so-called ‘black national anthem’ at the 2025 Draft had fans seething. 

 A Milwaukee-based choir, the James Weldon Johnson Foundation’s ‘National Hymn Choir’, performed ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ ahead of the draft in Green Bay Thursday night. 

The choral arrangement was accompanied by a simple pianist in front of the throngs of fans gathered at Lambeau Stadium. 

But fans back home were left seething over the ‘gentrified’ rendition of the song. 

‘They got whites singing Lift Every Voice and Sing? They done gentrified the Black national anthem,’ one furious social media user posted. 

‘That was the whitest “Lift Every Voice and Sing” that I’ve ever heard,’ another claimed.  

Members of the James Weldon Johnson Foundation’s “National Hymn Choir” perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. pic.twitter.com/Ri0ujrwPOQ

— NFL (@NFL) April 24, 2025 A Milwaukee-based choir performed 'Lift Every Voice and Sing; ahead of the NFL Draft

A Milwaukee-based choir performed ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing; ahead of the NFL Draft 

The draft's top prospects gathered onstage before the Star Spangled Banner was then sung

The draft’s top prospects gathered onstage before the Star Spangled Banner was then sung

‘Whose idea was it to have a CHOIR?!?! Not really the target demographic there in attendance,’ a third questioned. 

Another furious fan hit out, asking: ‘What the hell kind of gentrified version of Lift Every Voice and Sing was that???’

‘What in the hell are we watching here?? Choir singing before the Draft?,’ echoed another. ‘God I miss the days when the NFL Draft was just the NFL Draft.’

The performance of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ ahead of the Super Bowl in February had also sparked headlines. 

Ledisi’s performance had been a source of scrutiny earlier in the week, especially after it emerged the NFL was removing its ‘End Racism’ signs from the end zone for the Super Bowl.

But Ledisi’s powerful performance in New Orleans sparked widespread praise on social media.

She took to the field moments after President Trump had arrived at the stadium for the biggest night in the sporting calendar in the United States.

Related Posts

Dallas Cowboys stars turn on Jerry Jones after fumbling teammate Micah Parsons’ contract standoff drama

Dallas Cowboys stars turn on Jerry Jones after fumbling teammate Micah Parsons’ contract standoff drama

Multiple Dallas Cowboys stars have turned on notorious team owner Jerry Jones after he has fumbled the contract situation of star man Micah Parsons, leading to the…

Washington Commanders head coach Dann Quinn breaks his silence after star Terry McLaurin requests trade

Washington Commanders head coach Dann Quinn breaks his silence after star Terry McLaurin requests trade

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn gave his verdict on star wide receiver Terry McLaurin requesting a trade away from his team by supporting both sides of…

Shannon Sharpe makes first public appearance since ESPN firing as he presents brother with Hall of Fame jacket

Shannon Sharpe makes first public appearance since ESPN firing as he presents brother with Hall of Fame jacket

Shannon Sharpe made his first public appearance since his ESPN firing on Friday night, as he helped induct his brother into the Pro Football Hall of Fame….

Travis Kelce gushes over Taylor Swift with rare public statement about his superstar girlfriend

Travis Kelce gushes over Taylor Swift with rare public statement about his superstar girlfriend

A smitten Travis Kelce described girlfriend Taylor Swift as a ’20/20′ in a rare public comment about the songstress this week. Kelce recently went Instagram official with Swift…

Travis Kelce stuns NFL fans with telling transformation that hints retirement could be closer than ever

Travis Kelce stuns NFL fans with telling transformation that hints retirement could be closer than ever

NFL fans have been left stunned by Travis Kelce’s brand new look which he debuted at the Chiefs training camp this week.  In recent months, there had…

NFL WAG reveals brutal reality of the league after her husband’s shock release in wake of horrific neck injury

NFL WAG reveals brutal reality of the league after her husband’s shock release in wake of horrific neck injury

An NFL WAG has revealed the brutal reality of the league after her husband was released by his team during his recovery from a broken neck.  It…