Singer Responds to Criticism Over ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ Performance Before Eagles-Cowboys Game

Singer Laurin Talese responded after her rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” ruffled some feathers to kick off the 2025 NFL season.

Talese, 43, performed the song, often referred to as the Black National Anthem, before the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday, September 4. 

Some football fans criticized the performance on social media, calling it “controversial” and “a disgrace.” 

The reactions were so overwhelming that the Daily Mail published a story on Thursday, labeling Talese’s performance as “divisive” and compiling some of the most inflammatory responses in one place. 

Talese, however, wasn’t about to let the critics mess with her big moment. 

The singer shared a screengrab of the Daily Mail article via her Instagram Story with the caption: “Momma I made it.”

Moments after her performance, Talese posted a video via her Story detailing the euphoric aftermath. 

“That was exhilarating,” she said. “That was absolutely thrilling. I am just really, really, really grateful. Thank you Philadelphia Eagles for having me. It was otherworldly. It was amazing to feel the energy of the crowd. Everybody was so hype and excited.”

Well, maybe not everybody. 

The performance was also plagued with sound issues, which led to the rowdy fans inside the stadium overpowering some of her vocals. 

Talese acknowledged the tech snafus and the unruly Philly fans, reposting a message to her Instagram Story reading, “Disgusted in the disrespect from the crowd. Loud, talking, hats on, no care in the world. But again…America.”

There were plenty of positive reactions to Talese’s performance, which she also shared via her Story.

“What better way to kick off football season,” one viewer wrote. “@laurintalese you were amazing! ❤️🥹”

Another comment read, “My girl killed it! ❤️ You sounded phenomenal.”

The game, which also featured a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Boyz II Men, was won by the Eagles, 24-20.

Prior to the festivities, Talese expressed her excitement for the performance and revealed that, despite spending the last two-and-a-half decades as a Philadelphia resident, it would be her first time attending an Eagles game. 

“I’m feeling so excited and honored,” Talese told PhiladelphiaEagles.com. “I’m really excited to see what it’s going to feel like. … I love feeling the pulse of the city, but I’ve never been to a game. So, this is my entrance. This is my foray into real-life Eagles fandom, and being able to really be a part of it, like, what better way? It’s kind of crazy, actually.”