The NFL’s first-ever international matchup in Spain was supposed to be a celebration of American football, patriotism, and international outreach. Instead, the moment that should have united fans sparked outrage—thanks to what many are calling one of the most inappropriate national anthem performances in recent memory.

Before kickoff at the Commanders–Dolphins matchup at Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, American singer Karina Pasian took the field to perform the Star-Spangled Banner. What should have been a solemn moment quickly became a spectacle for all the wrong reasons.

Instead of dressing with the dignity befitting the national anthem, Pasian—now 34 and living in Madrid—appeared in a black mini dress featuring a plunging cowl neckline, thigh-high stockings, garters, and opera-length gloves. Many viewers thought they were seeing the opening act for a cabaret show rather than the prelude to America’s most sacred song.

The NFL posted the performance on X, and fans immediately lit up the comments section. One viewer captured the general sentiment bluntly:
“Nice, but why did she have to dress like a hooker?”

Another added, “Karina’s rendition was lovely, but why is she dressed like a hooker? This is the national anthem.”

Others questioned why the NFL—already infamous for past disrespect toward the anthem—would allow an outfit that many said stripped the moment of its solemnity. One fan wrote: “Why is she dressed like a cabaret dancer? Takes away all solemnity from the anthem.”

Another viewer didn’t hold back: “Who dresses like that to sing a national anthem? Zero home training. Shame.”

Notably—and refreshingly—fans did observe one positive: not a single player appeared to kneel during the anthem, at least from what television cameras showed. For once, the controversy wasn’t political—it was simply about respect.

Still, even many critics acknowledged the obvious: Pasian can sing. Her vocals were widely praised, even by those stunned by the wardrobe choice.
“She knocked it out of the park. Great job. Love it,” one user wrote.

Another commented, “Historic game, historic vocals. She delivered.”

Pasian herself is no stranger to big stages. Signed by Def Jam at just 13 after a bidding war with major labels, she went on to earn a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary R&B and even performed at the White House for President George W. Bush during Black Music Month in 2007. No one questions her talent—just her judgment.

For the NFL, already battling a long-running credibility problem with patriotic fans after years of anthem controversies, this latest dust-up raises a familiar question: why is it so hard for the league to treat the national anthem with the respect it deserves?

The game itself ended in dramatic fashion with the Miami Dolphins edging out the Washington Commanders 16–13 in overtime. But for many fans, the lasting image from the historic matchup wasn’t the final score—it was an anthem performance overshadowed by an outfit that simply didn’t belong on that stage.