GRAMMY®-nominated vocal powerhouse Kelly Price electrified the crowd at Little Caesars Arena with an unprecedented pre-fight anthem performance ahead of the highly anticipated undisputed heavyweight clash between Claressa Shields and Franchon Crews-Dezurn.
Price, originally set to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner," surprised fans and television viewers alike with a bold and artistic twist: she began with a flawless rendition of the traditional national anthem and then transitioned seamlessly into "Lift Every Voice and Sing", despite the latter having already been performed earlier in the ceremony. The moment instantly became one of the most talked-about highlights of fight night.
Watch the performance here:
The crowd reacted with initial surprise, quickly giving way to thunderous applause as Price's powerful delivery resonated throughout the arena. Following the performance, undisputed champion Claressa Shields praised Price, saying she sounded "like an angel."
The dual-anthem tribute took on added significance as fight night honored civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson, whose recent passing was acknowledged during the telecast - making Price's musical statement both timely and poignant.
Price's fearless blend of tradition and expression served not only as a stunning display of artistry but also as a unifying moment that honored the spirit of the occasion and the diverse communities gathered to witness it.
