While most of the internet took to praising Reba McEntire\u2019s National Anthem performance from Super Bowl LVIII, the other \u201canthem\u201d sung before the game drew more controversy. That was the rendition of \u201cLift Every Voice and Sing,\u201d often called the \u201cBlack National Anthem\u201d by R&B singer, Grammy Award winner, and actress Andra Day.<\/p>\n
Unlike with the detractors of Reba, who didn\u2019t like her country twang version of the anthem, the criticism of Day\u2019s performance mainly revolved around the political message many on the right believed to be contained in the NFL\u2019s inclusion of the song. Further, they argued that the National Anthem is meant to unite Americans, so having multiple versions is counterproductive in that it tends to divide rather than unite, however beautiful the singing.<\/p>\n
Megan Kelly, for example, the conservative podcast host, wrote about the matter on X. She said, \u201cThe so-called Black National Anthem does not belong at the Super Bowl. We already have a National Anthem and it includes EVERYONE.\u201d<\/p>\n
That, in turn, sparked a firestorm in the comments section. Some agreed with Kelly, saying things like, \u201cThere is only one National Anthem. But media is woke. The NFL is woke. The people are awake and know this will be over one day.\u201d But others disagreed, writing messages such as, \u201cThe national anthem wasn\u2019t national until 1931. Racist\u201d and \u201cYou mean the National Anthem written while black people were owned as property?\u201d<\/p>\n
Others tried to focus on the song\u2019s positive attributes rather than political connotations. One commenter, doing so, noted the song\u2019s Christian roots, writing, \u201cHate to disagree with you, it isn\u2019t a replacement for the national.anthem, it is am amazing Christian Hymn. \u2018God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who has brought us thus far on the way; Thou who has by Thy might Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet, stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May we forever stand, True to our God,
\nTrue to our native land.\u2019 I refuse to be upset that this is being promoted at the Super Biwl.\u201d<\/p>\n
In any case, Kelly wasn\u2019t the only prominent conservative on X to take issue with the song\u2019s inclusion. CJ Pearson, an African American state representative candidate from Georgia, wrote, \u201cBefore tonight\u2019s Super Bowl, as a young black man and proud American, let me make myself clear: There is only ONE national anthem. As there is only ONE United States of America. And it\u2019s for EVERYONE \u2013 white, black, yellow, and even maroon. The Left\u2019s agenda of division isn\u2019t just needless; it\u2019s exhausting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Also joining in was Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who joked about the song in a faux, written dialogue with his wife. He posted, \u201cWife: Today is the Super Bowl! Me: We aren\u2019t watching. Wife: Why? Me: They\u2019re desecrating America\u2019s National Anthem by playing something called the \u201cBlack National Anthem.\u201d Wife: Does that mean Cardi is performing?\u201d<\/p>\n
Watch Day\u2019s rendition of \u201cLift Every Voice and Sing\u201d here:
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