KEY POINTS
- Nathaniel Rateliff delivered the national anthem at the Broncos vs. Patriots AFC Championship on Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver.
- Social media users expressed mixed reactions, with some critical of the vocal performance and others acknowledging the challenges of the anthem.
- National anthem performances at major sporting events remain high profile cultural moments in the United States.
DENVER — Singer songwriter Nathaniel Rateliff, known as the frontman of Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, performed the US national anthem prior to the Denver Broncos’ AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High.
The pregame performance, held Jan. 25, 2026, marked Rateliff’s return to the stadium, where he previously sang before a Broncos game in 2015.
Without a halftime show scheduled for the championship matchup, Rateliff was the sole musical act featured during pregame festivities.
His performance attracted widespread attention on social media, where reactions were notably divided among viewers.
Rateliff’s rendition preceded one of the NFL’s most watched events, drawing attention from fans nationwide.
While some praised his effort, others criticized his vocal delivery, reflecting the high public expectations placed on performers of the anthem.
“The Star Spangled Banner” is traditionally performed at major sporting events in the United States, a practice dating back over a century.
Experts note that the song’s wide vocal range, spanning nearly an octave and a half, presents a challenge even for professional singers.
Rateliff, who has received multiple Grammy nominations with The Night Sweats, brings a background in Americana and soul music, and has previously performed at large stadium events.
Dr. Frank Laucerica, tenor at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, said stadium performances can make precise pitch control difficult due to echo and outdoor acoustics.
Vocal coach Tim Welch added, “Performing the anthem a cappella in front of tens of thousands of people requires a combination of technical skill and confidence, and public perception can vary widely.”
Viewers shared feedback on platforms including X and Reddit. One user wrote the performance was “cringe worthy,” while another noted the difficulty of the song and expressed respect for attempting it live.
As the NFL continues to attract global audiences, the selection of anthem performers will remain a visible component of game day presentation.
Teams may increasingly consider both musical reputation and public expectations in choosing artists.
Rateliff’s performance highlighted the continuing cultural significance of national anthem renditions at major US sporting events while underscoring the challenges performers face in meeting diverse audience expectations.
Author’s Perspective
In my analysis, live anthem performances at major sporting events reveal the growing tension between traditional ceremonial expectations and real time audience scrutiny amplified by social media.
I predict NFL franchises will formalize performer selection metrics, integrating vocal analytics and fan sentiment data. For viewers, this enhances entertainment quality. Track official pregame artist announcements to anticipate trends.
NOTE! This report was compiled from multiple reliable sources, including official statements, press releases, and verified media coverage.
