Martha Reeves’ Anthem Rehearsal Goes Viral Ahead of Women’s Pro Baseball League Debut

During a rehearsal for the national anthem at the inaugural Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) game, Motown icon Martha Reeves stopped the backup singers, declared the performance “out of tune,” and announced over the stadium microphone that she “doesn’t need them.” The incident was captured on video that TMZ released, showing Reeves questioning who was matching her pitch and then dismissing the singers’ contribution.

TMZ

Reeves, celebrated for hits such as “Dancing in the Street,” was invited to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” for the league’s debut, a high-profile moment intended to spotlight women’s professional baseball. The rehearsal took place shortly before the live game, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the preparation.

TMZ

TMZ’s footage reveals Reeves’ abrupt interruption, her on-mic remarks, and the backup singers’ subsequent performance, which the outlet describes as “pretty darn good.” Despite Reeves’ criticism, the singers delivered a competent rendition during a later hockey-game performance captured by the same source. The rehearsal video quickly spread online, prompting a wave of commentary that highlighted both Reeves’ authoritative stance and the singers’ ability to carry the tune.

TMZ

The rehearsal clip sparked a surge of social-media discussion, with viewers noting the contrast between Reeves’ confidence and the backup singers’ professionalism. While some observers focused on the perceived tension, others emphasized the singers’ competence despite the criticism. The viral nature of the video has kept the WPBL debut in the public eye, underscoring how pre-event moments can shape audience perception of high-profile sporting spectacles.

TMZ