Leslie Odom Jr., known for his role as Aaron Burr in the Broadway musical “Hamilton,” was selected to sing the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium for the first home game of the 2024 World Series between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Before his performance, Odom did extensive research on the history of the anthem, including watching various renditions, both successful and unsuccessful. This included a review of Francis Scott Key’s lyrics and the defense of Fort McHenry.
With the pressure of such a high-profile gig, Odom thought about what makes a successful rendition of the National Anthem, referencing iconic performances by Whitney Houston, Marvin Gaye, Chris Stapleton, and Marc Anthony. He chose to focus on the positive aspects of these renditions rather than dwell on the less successful versions, as he did not want to jinx his performance. Odom acknowledged the difficulty of the song, noting that it can expose a singer’s vulnerabilities.
Despite the challenges, Odom had previously sung the National Anthem successfully at Citi Field for a game between the New York Mets and the Yankees in 2015. Growing up in Philadelphia, Odom expressed his support for the Yankees during this special event. Known for his style, Odom planned to wear Ralph Lauren for his performance at the World Series, showcasing his fashionable taste for the occasion.
During Game 2 of the World Series, teen singer Pearle Peterson performed the National Anthem, while country star Brad Paisley, a diehard Dodgers fan, sang the tune at the opening game in Los Angeles. Odom’s upcoming performance is highly anticipated by fans at Yankee Stadium, with over 46,000 people expected to be in attendance. With his background in musical theater and experience singing the National Anthem, Odom is well-prepared for this significant moment in his career.
