Kelly Price Sparks Controversy with 'Lift Every Voice & Sing' Performance Before Claressa Shields Fight

The singer's rendition of the Black national anthem raised questions before the highly anticipated women's boxing match.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Singer Kelly Price drew attention during the pre-fight ceremony for the Claressa Shields vs. Franchon Crews-Dezurn boxing match by beginning the U.S. national anthem and then shifting into a performance of 'Lift Every Voice and Sing,' the song often referred to as the Black national anthem. This was surprising to viewers since another singer had already performed 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' earlier in the program. The moment sparked confusion and discussion online, though the focus ultimately shifted back to the fight itself once the action began in the ring.

Why it matters

The performance of 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' holds deep cultural significance in the Black community, and its placement and repetition in this setting raised questions about the intent and messaging around the song's usage. The incident became part of the lead-in to a major women's boxing match, highlighting the intersection of sports, entertainment, and social issues.

The details

Kelly Price was supposed to perform the U.S. national anthem before the Claressa Shields vs. Franchon Crews-Dezurn fight at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. However, after starting the national anthem, Price shifted into a rendition of 'Lift Every Voice and Sing,' the song often referred to as the Black national anthem. This was surprising to viewers since another singer had already performed 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' earlier in the pre-fight program. The moment sparked confusion and discussion online, with journalist Jemele Hill noting it seemed 'kind of odd' and that she was 'confused' by the unexpected performance.

  • Kelly Price performed 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' during the pre-fight ceremony on February 23, 2026.
  • Another singer had already performed 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' earlier in the pre-fight program.

The players

Kelly Price

An American singer who performed 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' during the pre-fight ceremony for the Claressa Shields vs. Franchon Crews-Dezurn boxing match.

Claressa Shields

An American professional boxer who defended her undisputed heavyweight title against Franchon Crews-Dezurn in the main event.

Franchon Crews-Dezurn

An American professional boxer who challenged Claressa Shields for the undisputed heavyweight title in a rematch of their 2016 pro debut.

Jemele Hill

An American journalist who reacted in real-time to Kelly Price's performance of 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' during the pre-fight ceremony.

James Weldon Johnson

The writer of the lyrics to 'Lift Every Voice and Sing,' which is often referred to as the Black national anthem.

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What they’re saying

“Kelly Price was supposed to do the national anthem. She did a couple lines and switched to doing 'Lift Every Voice and Sing'... even though another singer had just done the same song. That seemed kind of odd. Not complaining. I was confused.”

— Jemele Hill, Journalist (Twitter)

The takeaway

The unexpected performance of 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' by Kelly Price during the pre-fight ceremony highlights the cultural significance and complex history of the song, often referred to as the Black national anthem. The moment sparked discussion around the intent and messaging behind the song's usage in this sporting event setting, where it had already been performed earlier, raising questions about the event organizers' decisions and the broader intersection of sports, entertainment, and social issues.