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BREAKING NEWS NFL fans fume over 'gentrified' rendition of black national anthem at 2025 draft By ISABEL BALDWIN Published: 00:54 BST, 25 April 2025 | Updated: 01:07 BST, 25 April 2025 e-mail View comments 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 '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. More to follow. Green Bay Packers Share or comment on this article: NFL fans fume over 'gentrified' rendition of black national anthem at 2025 draft e-mail Add comment Comments 0 Share what you think No comments have so far been submitted.
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