Robbie Mortimer's National Anthem Performance at State ...
Country singer Robbie Mortimer's rendition of the Australian national anthem at the State of Origin opener faced immediate and widespread criticism from fans and commentators.
tixel.comHere’s the latest I could gather about Robbie Mortimer and the national anthem controversy.
Short answer
- Robbie Mortimer faced strong backlash for his rendition of Advance Australia Fair at the State of Origin opener in Sydney on May 27, 2026. The criticism was widespread on social media and among commentators.[1][2][3]
Details
- Event and reception
- Mortimer performed the national anthem before State of Origin Game 1 at Accor Stadium, with audiences of over 80,000 in attendance and millions watching remotely. The reception on social platforms was predominantly negative, describing the performance as technically flawed and emotionally disconnected.[3][1]
- Media outlets and fans highlighted mispronunciations and overall delivery as key points of critique, contributing to a broader discussion about anthem performances at major sports events.[5][1][3]
- Public and media reaction
- Coverage ranged from direct criticisms on social media to commentary from radio hosts and entertainment outlets labeling the rendition as controversial or “butchered” by some observers.[2][5]
- Some segments of the country music community and broader fans argued that Mortimer contributed a bold, energetic performance on a huge stage, even if opinions were split. Supportive voices noted his status as a rising artist and his connection to rugby league culture through the Mortimer family.[7][9]
- Context and follow-up
- The incident triggered discussions about national anthem selection for State of Origin and the balance between pop/crossover artists and more traditional performers for such ceremonies. Commentary suggested evaluating vocal technique and ceremony fit for future events.[3][5]
Representative quotes and sources
- “Robbie Mortimer’s rendition… drew intense criticism from fans across social media.”. This line summarizes the overall reception.[1]
- “Robbie Mortimer butchered the national anthem,” said a radio host, reflecting prominent media reactions.[2]
- Reports noted the performance going viral with predominantly negative reactions alongside some supportive voices within the country music community.[9][5]
Would you like a concise timeline of what happened at the event, or a side-by-side summary of critics vs. supporters with key quotes? I can also pull a quick chart of sentiment (positive/negative) from the cited sources if you’d find that helpful.