Kelly Price interrupts national anthem at Shields game by ‘singing loud’

The atmosphere was already electric as I tuned in to watch Clarissa Shields defend her crown. Great fighting energy. Big stage. Big moments.

Before the punches were thrown, the pregame ritual set a powerful tone. A singer named Passion sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” widely known as the Black National Anthem, which was written by James Weldon Johnson in 1900 and has long been viewed as an anthem of hope and resilience for the black community. Everyone welcomed him warmly. It feels intentional. It feels very ritualistic.

It was then announced that R&B superstar Kelly Price would sing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” If you know Kelly Price, you know that voice carries weight.

She began the national anthem in traditional, exciting fashion. Strong notes. Controlled power supply. The TV is ready. But then something happened that no one on the field or at home could have predicted.

Halfway through the show, the song changed.

Without any warning, the arrangement transitions seamlessly into “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Not a mix-and-match tease. Not a brief interpolation. She turned completely around. The background music follows her perfectly, making it clear that this isn’t a mistake. This was rehearsed. This is intentional.

The results left some viewers confused. The national anthem is unfinished. The black national anthem, which had been performed earlier in the program, was again sung in its entirety. Instantly, you can almost feel social media scrambling to process what just happened.

This is bold. This is dramatic. This is political, whether intended to be so or not.

The show also paid tribute to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, making the moment even more serious. Jesse Jackson was a prominent civil rights leader who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., founded Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition, and ran for president twice in the 1980s. Jackson’s decades of advocacy for voting rights, economic justice and global human rights made him one of the most influential black political figures of the late 20th century. While presidents typically declare flags to be flown at half-staff in response to certain public officials or national tragedies, states and municipalities have historically honored civil rights leaders differently. The pregame acknowledgments felt like Detroit was showing its respect.

The whole scene was made even more tense by the symbolism of a championship boxing match starring Claressa Shields (one of the greatest boxers of her generation). Shields has always considered himself more than an athlete. She represents Flint. She represents resilience. She represents unapologetic excellence.

Kelly Price’s vocal detour isn’t sloppy. It’s not out of tune. In fact, it’s musically brilliant. But excellence doesn’t eliminate controversy.

Some would call it revolutionary. Others will consider this disrespectful. Cable news panels like Faux are likely to debate the intent versus the agreement. But there’s no denying that it was a moment. The live televised moment blurred the lines between tradition, protest, tribute and art.

Sports and music have always been the stage for cultural tension and cultural progress. From Muhammad Ali’s rebellion to Colin Kaepernick’s protests, the ring and arena have never been divorced from the social climate of this country. What happened before the first punch was thrown is as likely to be repeated as the fight itself.

Kelly Price didn’t whisper her words. She sang that chin.

What are your thoughts on the switch? Revolutionary or reckless? Please comment below.

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