US national anthem performance before Stanley Cup playoff game sparks outrage among fans

Fox News - Apr 25th, 2025
Open on Fox News

The Los Angeles Kings hosted the Edmonton Oilers for a first-round Stanley Cup playoff game, featuring a unique rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' performed by members of the Korea Town Senior & Community Center using harmonicas. This creative pregame performance, held at the Crypto.com Arena, received a warm response from the majority of the audience, who applauded the performers. However, the harmonica version of the national anthem also drew criticism on social media, with some users expressing their disapproval.

Despite the mix of reactions to the anthem, the game itself was a thrilling contest. The Los Angeles Kings emerged victorious with a 6-5 win over the Edmonton Oilers after a tightly contested match that saw the Oilers tie the game late in the third period. The Kings' victory in this first game, followed by another win in Game 2, has set an exciting tone for the rest of the series, with the next match scheduled for Friday. This event highlights the diverse cultural expressions present in sports events and the varying public perceptions that accompany them.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and timely report on a unique national anthem performance during a major sports event, effectively capturing reader interest with its engaging narrative. It accurately presents the key facts and offers a balanced view by acknowledging both positive and negative reactions. However, the story could benefit from greater source diversity and transparency regarding the selection of social media comments. While the potential for controversy is present, the article does not deeply explore the cultural implications of the performance. Overall, the article is well-written and accessible, though it could enhance its impact and engagement by incorporating more perspectives and in-depth analysis.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately reports several key facts, such as the performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by the Korea Town Senior & Community Center using harmonicas. This claim is supported by multiple sources, indicating a high level of truthfulness and precision. The report of the crowd's approval, with many standing to applaud, is generally supported by other sources, although there is mention of some social media displeasure, which the story also acknowledges. The game's outcome, with the Kings winning 6-5, is also accurately reported. However, the article could benefit from more precise details about the extent and nature of the social media reactions, as the story only provides limited examples. Overall, the story's claims are verifiable and align well with the facts presented in other reliable sources.

7
Balance

The story presents a reasonably balanced view by acknowledging both the positive reception from the crowd and the negative reactions on social media. However, it leans slightly towards highlighting the performance's approval, with only a couple of negative social media comments mentioned. While this does provide a glimpse into differing opinions, the article could have included more diverse perspectives or a greater variety of social media reactions to enhance balance. The focus on the game's outcome also shifts some attention away from the anthem performance controversy, which might affect the perceived balance.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and easy to follow, with a straightforward narrative structure that effectively conveys the key events. The language is simple and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the story without ambiguity. However, the abrupt inclusion of game details without a clear transition from the anthem performance might confuse some readers. Overall, the story maintains a neutral tone and presents information in a logical order, aiding comprehension.

6
Source quality

The article primarily relies on observations and social media posts for its claims. It does not cite specific authoritative sources or provide direct quotes from those involved in the performance or the event. The lack of diverse and authoritative sources slightly diminishes the overall reliability of the reporting. While the use of social media comments adds a layer of real-time reaction, the story would benefit from incorporating more varied and authoritative sources to bolster its credibility.

5
Transparency

The article lacks detailed transparency regarding how information was gathered, particularly concerning the selection of social media comments. It does not explain the methodology behind the choice of comments or provide context for the overall sentiment on social media. Additionally, the story does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that could affect its impartiality. Greater transparency about the sources of information and the editorial process would improve the article's credibility and reader trust.

Sources

  1. https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/kings-serenaded-with-another-national-anthem-by-senior-harmonica-group/
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LROXk4Mj4M
  3. https://athlonsports.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings/national-anthem-performance-kings-oilers-playoff-game-turns-heads
  4. https://puckprose.com/harmonica-anthem-players-are-los-angeles-kings-good-luck-charm
  5. https://www.si.com/nhl/kings-unique-us-national-anthem-choice-awesome-moment-fans-harmonica