Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Patti LaBelle’s Anthem Slip Sparks Debate, Rookie’s O Canada Viral

7/16/2026

39 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Patti LaBelle, 82, sang the U.S. anthem at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia.
Some X users criticized her for missing lyrics and adding personal twists.
Others defended her, noting her “Godmother of Soul” status and age.
Alexander Stewart, a 26-year-old from Toronto, sang O Canada before the game, drew criticism for a cracked start and triggered a more than 5,000% surge in Google searches for his name that evening.

1 of 1

Story summary

Patti LaBelle, 82, sang the U.S. anthem at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia.
Some X users criticized her for missing lyrics and adding personal twists.
Others defended her, noting her “Godmother of Soul” status and age.
Alexander Stewart, a 26-year-old from Toronto, sang O Canada before the game, drew criticism for a cracked start and triggered a more than 5,000% surge in Google searches for his name that evening.