American pop singer Karina Paisan made history on Sunday as she performed the Star-Spangled Banner before the Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins faced off in the first-ever NFL game held in Spain. The historic matchup at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid drew thousands of fans and marked a milestone for American football abroad. However, while her vocal performance earned praise, social media quickly lit up with heated debate over her choice of outfit.
The NFL’s debut in Spain was a momentous occasion. Fans from across Europe traveled to Madrid to witness the Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins compete in what many are calling a landmark step for the league’s international expansion. The stadium was electric, with chants, cheers, and the excitement of a sold-out crowd, all eager to see the American sport played on European soil.
Before kickoff, Karina Paisan, a New York City native now living in Madrid, stepped onto the stage to perform the national anthem. Paisan, who signed with Def Jam Records as a teenager, is no stranger to the spotlight. Her 2007 Grammy nomination in the Best Contemporary R&B category for her hit song Can’t Find the Words cemented her as a rising star in American pop and R&B music. She had also previously performed at the White House during Black Music Month, giving her significant experience performing in high-profile, formal settings.
During her rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, Paisan delivered a flawless performance, showcasing her powerful vocal range and impressive stage presence. Many fans praised her for hitting every note with precision and emotion, noting that singing the anthem in front of thousands of fans, in a foreign country, is no small feat. Her talent was undeniable, and her interpretation added a fresh and energetic twist to the historic occasion.
However, the spotlight shifted quickly from her voice to her attire. Paisan performed wearing a black mini dress with a deep cowl neckline, thigh-high stockings with garters, and long gloves that extended past her elbows. While the outfit was stylish and bold, social media users reacted almost immediately, debating whether it was appropriate for the occasion.
Comments flooded Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. “Great to see the sharing of sport and competition with other countries!! Karina’s rendition of the US national anthem was lovely, but why is she dressed like a hooker?” one user remarked, according to the NY Post. Another added, “The outfit was a bit inappropriate but her voice was beautiful.”
Others criticized more strongly. “Why is she dressed like a cabaret dancer? Takes away all solemnity from the anthem,” wrote one, while a fourth user commented, “Who dresses like that to sing a national anthem. Zero home training. Shame.” These comments sparked a heated debate online, with some users questioning the balance between artistic expression and tradition during such formal performances.
Despite the controversy, many applauded Paisan’s performance for its technical skill and emotional resonance. “Not many people can sing that song well. She knocked it out of the park. Great job. Love it,” one fan wrote. Another noted, “Historic game, historic vocals. She delivered!”
The game itself was a nail-biter, with the Dolphins narrowly defeating the Commanders 16–13. Yet, for many viewers, the conversation around Paisan’s performance rivaled the game itself in intensity, highlighting how performances at sporting events can become cultural talking points, especially in an international context.
As the NFL continues to expand its global footprint, moments like these—where music, culture, and sport intersect—will inevitably draw attention, debate, and discussion. Karina Paisan’s performance, both for its vocal quality and daring fashion choice, became a focal point of that intersection.
What do you think about Karina Paisan’s outfit? Was it bold and fashionable or inappropriate for such a formal performance? Share your thoughts in the comments on Facebook and join the conversation about this historic NFL event in Spain.