Broadway actress ripped for relying on her phone to sing national anthem

The New York Yankees’ opening-day game got an “embarrassing” start with a Broadway actress delivering her rendition of the national anthem.

Singer and actress Betsy Wolfe set off a wave of criticism after her performance of  “The Star-Spangled Banner,” but it wasn’t her voice that rattled viewers who called her out for allegedly using her cellphone to read the lyrics.

Known for her Tony-nominated role in “& Juliet,” the 42-year-old California native faced online backlash for the move, which many found insulting and “disgraceful.”

The pregame ceremonies conclude. pic.twitter.com/9a2hGQhHV0

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) March 27, 2025

Thursday’s opening day game saw the Milwaukee Brewers lose to the Yankees, 4-2. Some X users thought Wolfe’s performance was a “bad omen” while others thought her voice was a hit.

Even seasoned performers will have lyrics written down due to being nervous. Lighten up people.

— Clare (@happilyfreeabc) March 28, 2025

Wow! @BetsyWolfe just crushed it singing the National Anthem at the @Yankees game! #yankees #baseball #OpeningDay #betsywolfe #broadway

— Tara (@SingingTara) March 27, 2025

Many fans, however, could not get past her need to have the lyrics on hand.

its disgraceful and embarrassing if you have to do that.

— Benny Myers (@BennyMyers13) March 27, 2025

Betsy Wolfe needs her phone to sing the national anthem? Do better @Yankees #MLB

— Jack MeHoff (@BrentPaterson94) March 27, 2025

They should just start having an actual U.S. Military Band perform the anthem.

The extra “notes” she added were not necessary. And, she needed to read the lyrics from a cell phone. Disgraceful.

— Francesca (@Frances76407025) March 28, 2025

Anybody that has to read the lyrics off their phone shouldn’t be allowed to sing. Especially since it’s the Star Spangled Banner

— grimace (@heyyitsgrimace) March 27, 2025

Wow! How Embarrassing Singing of National Anthem for Opening Day at Yankee Stadium. And she also Needed her Cell Phone to Remember the Words. Really! Is this the Best You Could Get/Afford for Opening Day? @Yankees

— Ed (@fasteddie516) March 27, 2025

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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.

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