Singer Stretches National Anthem at Angels Home Opener Due to Flyover Delay

Video shows performer Alexandra Castle trying to extend the anthem to time the flyover at the season opener.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:24pm

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At the Los Angeles Angels' home opener on Friday, singer Alexandra Castle was forced to stretch out the end of the national anthem performance due to a delayed flyover. Video from fans shows Castle extending the final notes of the Star-Spangled Banner to allow the pilots to reach the stadium in time for the planned flyover, which was about 20 seconds late. This marked the second straight year the Angels have had an issue with the timing of the pregame flyover on Opening Day.

Why it matters

The national anthem performance is a longstanding tradition at professional sporting events, and any disruptions or delays can be noticeable to fans in attendance. The Angels' flyover issues highlight the logistical challenges of coordinating complex pregame ceremonies and entertainment, which teams strive to execute seamlessly.

The details

Video footage shows Alexandra Castle, the singer tasked with performing the national anthem, intentionally drawing out the final notes in order to time the flyover's arrival. According to reports, the flyover was approximately 20 seconds late, leading Castle to improvise and extend her performance to ensure the aerial display could be completed.

  • The Angels' home opener took place on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • The national anthem performance and flyover occurred just before the start of the game.

The players

Alexandra Castle

The singer who performed the national anthem at the Angels' home opener.

Los Angeles Angels

The Major League Baseball team hosting the home opener at their stadium in Anaheim, California.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of precise coordination and timing for pregame ceremonies at major sporting events, where any disruptions to the schedule can be noticeable to fans in attendance. The Angels will likely review their flyover procedures to ensure a smoother execution for future home openers.