Singer Botches National Anthem At World Series

When starting Game 1 of the World Series between the Phillies and Astros, Grammy-nominated vocalist Eric Burton stumbled over the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The Black Pumas’ 33-year-old lead singer, a native of Texas, sang the national anthem on Friday night, but it was marred by lyrical mistakes and lapses in pitch.

Burton didn’t even get halfway through the national anthem at Minute Maid Park in Houston at the pre-game ceremony, where players lined the field and a huge American flag was spread across the outfield.

Instead of using the term “gleaming,” Burton sang “what so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last streaming.”

He then sang “What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last streaming” after realizing his error and continuing with “Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight.”

Burton continued the hymn correctly by skipping to “And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air.”

The audience didn’t appear to be bothered by Burton’s errors; they cheered as he completed the rest of the anthem without error.

On Twitter, there were differing opinions. While some people were astonished by Burton’s lyrics error, others felt sympathetic toward Burton.

“It’s more than a little nerve-wracking being out there. Yeah, he erred. Big deal. He honored all the rest very, very well.. and sang the most of it strong and beautiful,” a Twitter user posted..

“Eric Burton just sang the National Anthem in four different keys, with three different tempos, and rearranged half the words.” another one said in a tweet.

Six Grammy Awards have been nominated for Burton and his band, The Black Pumas, who won Best New Artist in 2020.

Prior to this anthem gaffe, Burton’s most memorable performance was when he sang at a concert for President Biden’s inauguration.