A BROADWAY actress was criticized for her national anthem performance to begin the new MLB season.
Baseball returned Thursday with the New York Yankees hosting the Milwaukee Brewers in the first game of the season.
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Yankee Stadium was ready for the moment in the spotlight.
But it seems that Broadway actress and singer Betsy Wolfe wasn’t tuned up.
Fans spotted Wolfe, 42, holding a phone during her Star Spangled Banner performance.
One wrote, “Wow! Embarrassing singing of National Anthem for opening day at Yankee Stadium.
“And she also needed her cell phone to remember the words.
“Really Is this the Best you could get/afford for opening day?”
Another said, “Anybody that has to read the lyrics off their phone shouldn’t be allowed to sing.
“Especially since it’s the Star Spangled Banner.”
While a third commented, “Whoever singing the anthem for the Yankees game gotta be embarrassed.”
Wolfe is a Tony-nominated star for her performances on Broadway.
Despite the fan backlash, she seemed to enjoy her day out at Yankee Stadium.
The 42-year-old documented her trip to the Bronx on Instagram.
She also shared a proud message from a friend who came to support her.
“Is there anything better than hearing Betsy Wolfe belt the national anthem on a glorious opening day at Yankee Stadium?” the message read.
Yankees fans and Wolfe had a happy end to their afternoon as the team won it’s season opener.
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New York ran out 4-2 winners over the Milwaukee Brewers.
The teams play again Saturday afternoon back in the Bronx.
Fans are facing uncertainty over being able to watch the Yankees play.
Thursday’s game was nationally televised on ESPN.
But local games on YES Network face a blackout if no new deal is reached.
YES Network’s deal with cable carrier Comcast expired Thursday night, Front Office Sports reported.
They quote a source as saying the two sides “have reached a lengthy series of short-term extensions and are still talking.”
But both YES Network and Comcast apparently “remain far apart on several key issues.”
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