This past Sunday, the NFL made history with its first-ever game in Spain, as the Miami Dolphins narrowly defeated the Washington Commanders at Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. While the game itself was a milestone, the pre-game ceremony became the center of a heated social media debate. American pop singer Karina Paisan, tasked with performing the U.S. national anthem, found herself at the center of a storm not for her voice, but for her wardrobe choice.
Paisan, a New York native now living in Madrid, delivered a powerful and technically proficient rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The singer, who has a Grammy nomination and has performed at the White House to her credit, was praised by many for her vocal performance. However, her outfit—a black mini dress with a deep cowl neckline, paired with thigh-high stockings, garters, and long gloves—immediately divided opinion online and quickly became the main topic of conversation.
The criticism was swift and severe on social media platforms. Many users felt her attire was inappropriate for the solemnity of the national anthem. One user questioned, “Why is she dressed like a cabaret dancer? Takes away all solemnity from the anthem.” Another commenter expressed that the “outfit was a bit inappropriate but her voice was beautiful,” a sentiment that captured the conflicted feelings of many viewers. Some critiques were even harsher, with one person accusing her of having “zero home training.”
Despite the fashion controversy, a significant number of viewers came to Paisan’s defense, focusing instead on her vocal prowess. “Not many people can sing that song well. She knocked it out of the park. Great job,” one supporter stated. Another celebrated the “historic game, historic vocals,” acknowledging the dual significance of the moment. The incident highlights the ongoing tension between traditional expectations for formal ceremonies and modern, individualistic expressions of style, proving that even at a historic sporting event, a fashion choice can become the biggest talking point.
