Jennifer Hudson’s 2026 World Cup final national anthem performance earned mixed reviews(Image: FOX)
Jennifer Hudson has performed the national anthem at the Super Bowl.
And she absolutely bodied that performance of the Star Spangled Banner before the World Cup final. #Spain | #Argentina pic.twitter.com/uleUHlW07J
— Lukas Weese (@Weesesports) July 19, 2026
Jennifer Hudson’s national anthem performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final momentarily shifted the conversation before Argentina and Spain kicked off, and well after a highly controversial pre-match concert featuring iShowSpeed, Post Malone, and more.
Hudson sang The Star-Spangled Banner at MetLife Stadium and was promoted for the World Cup honor alongside Hollywood star Tom Cruise, even though Team USA had already been knocked out of the tournament by Belgium in the Round of 16.
The Grammy-winning singer and EGOT recipient wore all white with a patriotic ribbon behind her as she sang to a packed stadium. Fans who know Hudson’s gospel and R&B style loved the performance, while others thought her version was too slow. It comes after a lip reader worked out Trump’s World Cup trophy promise from his box at the final.
World Cup traditionalists were confused about why the American anthem was played before a match that didn’t include the American team, even though the USA served as a host nation for the games and final.
Many fans simply questioned, “Why are they singing the USA national anthem?”
Another said, “Absolutely bizarre they’re singing their national anthem.”
Others questioned the modified version. “Is this a Disneyfied version of the US national anthem?” one asked.
“Jennifer Hudson absolutely butchering the national anthem,” said another.
A third posted, “Is she in pain singing this national anthem?”
However, fans of Hudson’s work called it “breathtaking” on X. One wrote, “Wow Hudson can sing, national anthem became a whole musical,” while another said, “Jennifer Hudson, you are HER.”
A third fan said, “Jennifer Hudson is a great singer but their team ain’t in the final.” Another World Cup fan commented, “Trump jinxed Team USA out of the tournament but they still get their song.”
Hudson’s rendition didn’t go down well(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Hudson was picked for this honor after becoming famous in 2004 as a standout on Season 3 of American Idol. The World Cup final wasn’t her first big stage, and she handled it without any sign of patriotic pressure.
The well-known Spotlight singer performed The Star-Spangled Banner at the 2008 Democratic National Convention after Barack Obama personally asked her. Just five days ago, she sang America the Beautiful at the MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia.
Hudson earned acclaim after singing the anthem before Super Bowl XLIII in 2009. Her career took off two years later when she played Effie White in Dreamgirls and won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Hudson performed America the Beautiful at the MLB All-Star Game
Her careful selection for the prestigious honor followed a recent track record of anthem performances at major events, which weren’t always judged solely on vocal ability.
KELS was dragged online during the NBA Finals after a blues-inspired version drew comparisons to Fergie, while Brandy split NBA All-Star viewers with a risky arrangement.
Charlie Puth’s pop-style version of the anthem split Super Bowl LX fans, while Ally Brooke from Fifth Harmony was mocked for “murdering the anthem” before Anthony Joshua knocked out Jake Paul.
It comes after FOX reporter Jenny Taft was slammed for her behavior in an interview with Trump before the World Cup final.