The Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays faced off in Game 3 of the World Series, where the performance of Canadian singer JP Saxe sparked considerable controversy. Canadian baseball enthusiasts expressed their dissatisfaction with his rendition of “O Canada,” which he performed a cappella at Dodger Stadium.
Criticism of JP Saxe’s Performance
Many fans took to social media to voice their discontent. One user in a Blue Jays fan group questioned Saxe’s credentials despite being a Grammy-nominated artist. This sentiment was echoed across various platforms, with some asserting that his performance did not meet expectations.
- “JP Saxe was… not it,” one user on X remarked.
- Another added, “Who the hell is JP Saxe and this can’t be the best Canada has to offer. That was just awful.”
Criticism was primarily directed at the quality of his singing, but additional comments highlighted Saxe’s decision to alter the anthem’s lyrics. Instead of the traditional line “our home and native land,” he sang “our home on native land.”
Context on the Lyric Modification
This modification is not unprecedented. Jully Black also made changes during her performance at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City. Black’s intention was to emphasize the colonial history of Canada and raise awareness about the treatment of Indigenous peoples. While her rendition received support, it too was met with criticism.
In defense of Saxe, some fans argued for compassion. One Facebook user noted, “Come on people … he is someone’s son and was proud to sing our anthem … why are we so judgemental?” At the time of reporting, Saxe had not responded to requests for comment.
JP Saxe’s Recent Struggles and Future Performances
Earlier this year, Saxe garnered attention for expressing his challenges with ticket sales for his tour, ultimately leading to its cancellation. However, he received an invitation from the Jonas Brothers to perform his hit song “If the World Was Ending” during their Toronto concert in August, coinciding with the World Series events.
Interestingly, the Jonas Brothers faced criticism as well for their performance in Game 2, with fans stating that it disrupted a crucial moment in the game.
Upcoming National Anthem Performances
Looking ahead, Deborah Cox is slated to perform “O Canada” during Game 4 of the World Series. Cox, a celebrated artist known for hits such as “Beautiful U R,” is a Grammy nominee and a member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
Moreover, renowned singer Rufus Wainwright, a Juno award winner and Grammy nominee, will sing the anthem at Game 5. Fans are eager to see if these performances will evoke a more positive reception than that of JP Saxe.
