Rachel Platten Shrugs Off Criticism of National Anthem Performance

Rachel Platten basked in positive vibes after her recent national anthem performance was met with mixed reviews. 

Platten, 43, performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the NFL Wild Card playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings on Monday, January 13. 

The moment was undeniably poignant, given that the game had been moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, due to the ongoing wildfires in southern California. In commemoration of the tragedy, the stadium was adorned with signs reading “Thank You Firefighters and First Responders.”

Platten’s actual performance, however, proved to be quite divisive on social media. 

“What in the world was that national anthem performance? 🤔🥴,” one viewer wrote via X. Another said, “Aye brah after everything going on in LA, you couldn’t get a better singer for the national anthem?”

Platten also performed her 2015 hit “Fight Song” before the playoff game. While she sang, a 200-foot “L.A. Together” banner appeared on the sideline as a backdrop prior to player introductions for the teams.  

Via her Instagram Story, Platten chose to focus on the positive reviews of her performance and reposted supportive comments from her fans and followers. 

One viewer said Platten’s performance gave her “chills.”

“The hardest things in life can bring people together in a beautiful way sometimes,” the post continued. “Go Rams tonight 🤍.”

Platten also reposted a video of a young boy in a Steph Curry jersey watching Platten’s national anthem intently. 

“Our little patriot loves his country so much,” the post read. “Everytime he hears the National Anthem he claps with excitement, stands at attention with his hand over his heart and makes sure we all do as well 🇺🇸.”

Prior to kickoff, Prime Video analyst and former Los Angeles Ram Andrew Whitworth addressed the crowd inside the stadium and the millions of viewers watching at home. 

“For the past week, our Los Angeles region has been ravaged by catastrophic wildfires,” Whitworth, 43, said. “Over 150,000 people have been evacuated. Our friends and our neighbors have lost homes and entire communities have been devastated, and there’s still more work to do. The courage and bravery of our firefighters and first responders prove that real-life heroes live among us.”

Whitworth added, “But I believe in the people of Los Angeles. We are strong! We will not be defined by this devastation. We will rebuild L.A. — hand in hand, together. For as long as it takes and whatever it takes, we will build it together.”

The Rams emerged victorious 27-9 against the Vikings, earning them a trip to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL Divisional playoff round on Sunday, January 19.