A singer from Toronto is speaking out after facing significant online criticism for her performance of the American national anthem at a major sporting event in the United States.
Performance Sparks Unexpected Controversy
Cassandra DiFruscio took to the field at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on January 8, 2026, to perform 'The Star-Spangled Banner' before an NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. While such an invitation is typically considered a high-profile honour for any vocalist, the reaction from some segments of the public, particularly online, was not entirely positive.
The backlash appeared to stem from her nationality, with some commentators questioning why a Canadian citizen was chosen to perform the anthem of another country at its premier football league event. DiFruscio addressed the situation directly on her social media channels in the days following the game.
Singer Responds with Resilience
In a message to her followers, DiFruscio acknowledged the negative comments but framed them as a minor part of her overall experience. She emphasized her gratitude for the opportunity and her focus on moving forward with her career. "I'm ready to keep going," she stated, demonstrating a determined attitude in the face of the criticism.
The singer, who promotes her work on Instagram under the handle @cassandra_music, shared a clip from her performance at the stadium. The video shows her delivering the anthem in front of a packed crowd, a moment that for many artists represents a career milestone, regardless of the subsequent online discourse.
A Broader Context of Cross-Border Talent
The incident highlights the often fluid nature of entertainment and sports, where talent regularly crosses international borders. Canadian performers have a long history of appearing at major U.S. events, just as American artists frequently headline shows in Canada. The national anthem performance, however, carries a unique symbolic weight that can sometimes trigger pointed reactions.
DiFruscio's experience underscores the intense scrutiny public figures can face in the age of social media, where a single performance can become a focal point for broader discussions about nationality and identity. Her response, focusing on perseverance and professionalism, is one many in the public eye have had to adopt.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the NFL or the San Francisco 49ers organization regarding the selection of DiFruscio for the anthem performance or the public reaction to it. The singer herself appears to be concentrating on her next steps, undeterred by the online controversy.
