As excitement built in Sao Paulo for the NFL‘s Week 1 international showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers, a customary pregame tradition sparked unexpected uproar. It was a very different reception to the one Kay Adams received.

Jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington performed the U.S. national anthem in a version that left numerous fans seething, triggering intense criticism on social media just one day after the Cowboys-Eagles anthem performance also split opinion.

Spectators branded the rendition as among the “worst-ever,” slamming the surprising bass and saxophone arrangement before the major kickoff. Social media responses were immediate and harsh. It came after YouTube’s pregame coverage was panned by viewers.

One supporter posted: “Why are they playing in Brazil and why are we being tortured with this rendition of the Star Spangled Banner…wt actual f— was that.”

Another fan complained, “Worst. National. Anthem. EVER. So they’re SINGING the Brazilian national anthem and we get a bass player and a saxophone? ! ? !”.

Several responses were unforgiving, branding the display “perhaps the worst national anthem I’ve ever seen at an NFL game. embarrassing,” and “Holy f— this might be the worst national anthem I’ve ever heard.”

The NFL was presenting a groundbreaking matchup at Sao Paulo’s Corinthians Arena, with the Chargers serving as the “home” squad in Brazil. This made the pressure intense for the musical opening act. The league selected Kamasi Washington and Brazilian country-pop sensation Ana Castela, a 21-year-old agronejo prodigy, to perform the U.S. and Brazilian national anthems, respectively.

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Washington’s modern, jazz-infused version aimed for innovation; Castela’s rendition sought to ground the event in local culture.

Washington, a Los Angeles native, gained fame through his work with the West Coast Get Down collective, groundbreaking solo albums like ‘The Epic,’ and contributions to Kendrick Lamar’s ‘To Pimp a Butterfly.’

However, his jazz improvisation take on the national anthem wasn’t universally hailed as a creative triumph.

Once the game kicked off, the Chargers quickly made their presence felt. Quarterback Justin Herbert led an efficient opening drive, culminating in a five-yard touchdown pass to Quentin Johnston.

A defensive offside penalty against Kansas City’s George Karlaftis extended the series, and Johnston capitalized shortly after, putting Los Angeles up 7–0 halfway through the first quarter.

In contrast, the Chiefs struggled to find their groove. Patrick Mahomes started with two consecutive three-and-outs, missing deep passes to both Marquise Brown and Tyquan Thornton.

Kansas City’s running game also faltered, with Isiah Pacheco being contained early by the Chargers’ front seven.

Rookie receiver Xavier Worthy momentarily ignited the Chiefs’ offense with a short gain, but an injury on a trick play forced him to exit the game, further hampering Kansas City’s offensive efforts.

As the national anthem continued to be a hot topic among fans and the Chiefs’ offense remained surprisingly subdued, the first quarter was decidedly in favor of Los Angeles.