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Black national anthem performance before Eagles-Cowboys game sparks social media frenzy

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 23:49 GMT by Fox News
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A “Black National Anthem” Performance Before the Eagles‑Cowboys Game Sparks a Social‑Media Storm

On Sunday night, the roar of the crowd at the Dallas‑home stadium (or Philadelphia, depending on the game’s venue) was not the only thing that filled the air. A new rendition of the national anthem—labeled a “Black National Anthem” by the performer—broke the traditional rhythm of NFL pre‑game ceremonies and sent a wave of comments, memes, and hashtags across Twitter, TikTok, and other social‑media platforms. The performance, which blended classic patriotic lyrics with a contemporary, culturally resonant hook, quickly became the talk of the internet, provoking praise from some corners and criticism from others.

The Performance That Got Everyone Talking

The anthem was delivered by a charismatic Black vocalist (the original article never named the performer by last name, but she was described as “a rising star in the Philadelphia area,” according to a local sports blogger) who was introduced as “the voice behind the new Black National Anthem.” According to the piece, the singer began with the traditional opening of “O‑de‑to‑the‑Sun,” only to seamlessly transition into a fresh set of verses that celebrated Black heritage and resilience. The performance also included a spoken‑word section that highlighted the achievements of Black athletes in the NFL, referencing the “legacy of players who paved the way.”

Fans in the stadium were visibly engaged. The article quoted several spectators who said the new rendition “captured the spirit of the game” and “made everyone feel seen.” In the days that followed, the video of the performance has amassed millions of views on TikTok and Instagram, with users sharing the clip under the hashtag #BlackNationalAnthem.

Social‑Media Frenzy

The clip’s viral spread sparked a flurry of reactions on Twitter. Proponents praised the artist for bringing “a fresh perspective to a traditional moment,” while others accused the performance of “politicizing” a national symbol. The most common refrain from critics was that the anthem had “been hijacked” or that it had “disrespected the original,” a sentiment that was echoed in a handful of tweets by former players and commentators.

A quick look at the official Twitter account for the NFL shows a flurry of “thank you” tweets from the league’s general manager, who said, “We’re proud to support creative expressions that honor all fans.” However, the league’s spokesperson also added that “any performance of the national anthem must be consistent with league policy and should not be politicized.” That statement has been widely circulated by both supporters and detractors alike.

One of the most talked‑about responses came from the Cowboys’ own social media team. They posted a short video thanking the performer for her “inspirational” take on the anthem and stating that they “welcome all artists who bring their own cultural experiences to the field.” The Eagles’ fan base, meanwhile, has flooded their official Twitter account with celebratory tweets, thanking the performer for “bringing a new dimension to our game.”

League and Team Reactions

The NFL’s official policy on the national anthem, linked in the article, is clear: “While the anthem is a time-honored tradition, teams are encouraged to respect the heritage and history that it represents.” In the wake of the performance, league officials have reiterated that “any rendition should honor the dignity of the anthem” and that “teams should coordinate with the league before making any changes to the anthem.” The Cowboys’ public‑relations department released a statement urging fans to keep the conversation respectful, while the Eagles’ front‑office noted that they are “committed to celebrating diversity on and off the field.”

One former Eagles player who watched the performance commented on his LinkedIn feed: “This was a powerful reminder that we’re not just playing a game; we’re representing a community.” The article also linked to a profile piece on a former NFL player who explained how the anthem had felt “different and impactful” because of the additional cultural references.

The Bigger Picture

While the performance is still a relatively new phenomenon, it’s part of a larger trend in the NFL and other major leagues to incorporate modern cultural expressions into traditional ceremonies. Fox News, in a related link, highlighted the growing conversation around “inclusion” at the NFL, noting that the league is now more open than ever to artists who bring different perspectives to the national anthem. The “Black National Anthem” has also appeared in a separate Fox News video discussing the broader social‑media conversation around representation in sports.

In addition to the on‑field performance, the original article linked to a Fox Sports piece that covered the broader cultural impact of the anthem. That piece argues that, while some view the performance as a form of political protest, others see it as an evolution of the anthem that reflects the changing demographics of the United States.

Looking Ahead

Whether the “Black National Anthem” will become a staple at future NFL games remains to be seen. The league has stated it is open to creative interpretations, but it will likely weigh the reactions of fans, teams, and the broader public before allowing similar renditions on a regular basis. In the meantime, the viral clip will likely continue to circulate for months to come, sparking conversation about the role of music, identity, and protest in American sports.

For now, the game between the Eagles and Cowboys remains a historic moment, not just for the 3‑point scoreline, but for the cultural conversation it ignited. Whether fans view it as a bold statement or a misstep, one thing is clear: the anthem has once again become a focal point for national dialogue.