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The rendition of the National anthem was created in collaboration with the 100-member Royal Philharmonic Orchestra based in London.
www.ndtv.comRobbie Mortimer’s latest coverage centers on his national anthem performance at the 2026 State of Origin opener, which drew significant backlash from fans and commentators on social media. Several outlets highlighted the immediate criticism of his rendition of Advance Australia Fair, while others noted ongoing discussions about who should perform national anthems at major sporting events.[1][3][5]
Key points
- The incident occurred at Accor Stadium in Sydney before State of Origin Game 1 on May 27, 2026, with the crowd size exceeding 80,000.[1]
- Reactions on social media were predominantly negative, with critics citing pronunciation and delivery as the main issues.[5][1]
- Some outlets also framed the event as part of a broader conversation about anthem performers, suggesting a shift toward classically trained vocalists for high-profile ceremonies.[3][5]
Context and follow-up
- Mortimer is a country-rock artist with a profile that includes energetic live performances; the backlash has prompted discussions about whether sporting bodies should prioritize technical vocal training over celebrity status for anthem duties.[3][1]
- Public responses varied, with some country music fans defending Mortimer and emphasizing the moment’s entertainment value rather than the ceremonial requirements.[9]
Illustration
- A representative snapshot: a large-state stadium event with a high-profile anthem, followed by widespread social-media reaction and subsequent debates about anthem selection criteria for future events.[1][3]
Would you like a concise timeline of the major articles and a summary of the main criticisms, or a quick list of sources for deeper reading? I can also pull the most prominent social-media reactions if you want.[5][3][1]