Singer Rachel Platten Faces Backlash Over Emotional National Anthem Performance at Vikings-Rams Game
In Monday’s Wild Card playoff game, the Los Angeles Rams easily defeated the Minnesota Vikings 27-9, but the victory wasn’t the only thing that made people talk. This is what caused the commotion.
Known for her hit song “Fight Song,” Rachel Platten faced criticism for her heartfelt performance of the national anthem at the Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams Wild Card playoff game.
When Platten was seen crying after concluding the anthem, the performance—which was intended to honour the victims of the tragic wildfires in Los Angeles—took a controversial turn. Many internet watchers, however, weren’t persuaded that the singer’s emotions were real, and some even accused her of feigning tears for the cameras.
Platten was asked to play an impassioned version of the national anthem as the Rams players took to the pitch. As she sang the last notes, Platten was clearly moved, as seen in the performance footage.
Her emotional outburst followed a terrible week for the people of Los Angeles, who are still suffering terrible losses as a result of the infernos.
Many social media users swiftly criticised Platten’s performance, calling it overdramatic and casting doubt on the sincerity of her weeping, despite the event’s solemn tone. On social media site X (previously Twitter), a video clip of her performance went viral, and people posted their opinions in the comments section.
A commenter said, “Rachel Platten should not do the National Anthem again and that dramatic cry in the camera….give me a break.” In agreement, another commenter said, “Rachel Platten [sic] fake crying after the national anthem was comedy.”
“Good message but Rachel Platten sounds pretty bad…” was one of the more scathing comments made by other users regarding her singing abilities.
One more comment said, “Rachel Platten really can’t sing.” Platten’s apparent emotional collapse was also ridiculed by several users, who posed the question, “Did that lady just start fake crying after singing the National Anthem?”
A user commented, “Does anyone actually know the words to the national anthem? “, accusing her of not understanding the song’s lyrics. Clearly, Rachel Platten doesn’t.
Some commenters agreed that singing the national anthem is challenging for any singer, but the majority of comments were critical. This point was emphasised in a comment that said, “you [sic] know singing the national anthem well isn’t something just anyone can do.”
But there was more criticism to come. “Rachel Platten,” another user said in reference to her pre-game performance. She performed the anthem and her song “fight song” prior to the game. “Girlfriend should not perform live,” she said.
Platten’s vocals were allegedly digitally augmented, according to another social media user who said, “Rachel platten definitely was using auto tune on that song [sic].”
The vitriol she received overshadowed her performance, which was intended to show solidarity and unity with people impacted by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
The Rams had to defeat the Vikings in a pivotal playoff game before Platten took the pitch to sing the national anthem. Giving their community something to support in the midst of the flames’ devastation was more important to the Los Angeles players than simply moving on to the next round.
Earlier in the week, Rams safety Quentin Lake described the Wild Card game as “more than just a game.” It’s interesting to note that the Rams demonstrated this feeling with a strong showing on both sides of the ball.
The Rams were ahead 10-3 in the second quarter when things started to change. Lake helped change the tide with a vital strip-sack on a third-and-seven play.
The Vikings’ offensive line and quarterback, Sam Darnold, were caught off guard by defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s plan, which allowed Lake to drive Darnold out of the pocket, where cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon sacked him and took the ball away.
The Rams took a commanding 17-3 lead as linebacker Jared Verse, playing the role of a QB spy, picked up the fumble and sprinted 57 yards for a touchdown. The play was the second-fastest sack of the Wild Card round and changed the game by increasing the Rams’ win probability by 17%, according to Next Gen Stats.
With nine sacks in a single postseason game, the Rams’ defence tied an NFL record, demonstrating their sustained dominance. In a 27-9 victory, they also held the Vikings to just 6 of 17 on third downs, forced two turnovers, and held their offence to just nine points.
Head coach Sean McVay gave his defence high marks for preparation and execution, saying, “I thought Chris (Shula) and the defensive coaches did an excellent job of creating an understanding of the intent, why we’re doing it, and then being able to get it done.”
Sam Darnold only completed six throws under duress and made one interception as a result of the Rams’ constant pressure. The Vikings quarterback was frightened throughout the game by the Rams’ intricate blitzes and defensive schemes, which were modelled after their Week 8 victory and the Detroit Lions’ prior triumphs over Minnesota.
Before the game, Platten delivered her hit song “Fight Song” and performed the national anthem. In the song, firemen fighting the unrelenting flames in Los Angeles were honoured. Platten has previously used her Instagram Story to provide updates about her performances, expressing her gratitude and joy for the chance to participate.
Since its initial release in 2015, the “Fight Song” has evolved into a hymn of fortitude and self-determination. In an interview conducted in November 2023, Platten discussed the song’s ongoing appeal. Before the song became popular, she had been touring the nation for 13 years, so she described the success it brought her as “jarring and incredible.”
“I created ‘Fight Song’ for myself when I was faced with the decision of whether or not to give up on this career. “I didn’t lose sight of the fact that that very sentiment, that very emotion, was what ultimately helped my career take off,” Platten added.
The vocalist is still appreciative of the song’s cultural influence even after all these years. She explained how the track is still discovered by younger generations via their parents.
“I can’t get over the fact that it’s still happening over ten years later, which is the most absurd thing to me. The fact that it simply doesn’t seem to dissipate culturally, and my friends’ daughters are still learning about it. “I’m really appreciative,” the 43-year-old singer said.
