Motown Legend Martha Reeves Sparks Viral Reactions With National Anthem Rendition

Legendary Motown singer Martha Reeves has gone viral after performing the U.S. national anthem before the inaugural Women's Pro Baseball League (WPBL) game between the Los Angeles Queens and the New York Heights.

The 85-year-old former lead singer of Martha and the Vandellas struggled through the performance, with off-key backing vocals also drawing attention. Videos from the event quickly spread across social media, where many viewers commented on the rendition and on audience members appearing to suppress laughter.

Sports reporter Kendall Baker wrote on X that "absolutely nothing could have prepared me" for the performance, while other users described it as both surprising and difficult to watch. Some, however, expressed sympathy for Reeves, calling the moment "sad to see" given her legendary status in music.

Reeves is best known for Motown classics including Dancing in the Street, Nowhere to Run, and Heat Wave.