March Madness fans split on national anthem performance before NCAA Final Four

March Madness fans were unsure what to make of a unique rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday night.

The performance saw four student-athletes from each Final Four school joined together to sing the National Anthem, as per college tradition. 

AC Fitzpatrick represented Florida, Mary Katherine Malone was there for Auburn, Jenna Kerkman was the representative from Houston and Moorea Mitchell sang from Duke.

They sang and harmonized together and while the fans in the arena greeted the performance with huge cheers, others watching across the United States were less convinced. 

Those who enjoyed it were quick to share praise. One fan wrote: 'An OUTSTANDING job on the National Anthem at the Final Four... give me heart over "name" talent any time. Well done to the young ladies from each school. You did yourself, your schools, and your nation proud!'

Another said on X: 'Honestly that was one of the best national anthem performances I’ve seen in a while. Conceptually cool with all 4 schools represented and executed well.'

One was left emotional, posting on X: 'Just watched the girls sing the national anthem for starting the Final Four. Kinda choked me up, it just feels like it has meaning again.'

But the fans who were unimpressed were quick to vent as well.  

One fan responded to the video from the official NCAA March Madness account of the performance, saying: 'Love the idea but this was ROUGH.'

A different critic said: 'This national anthem is trash.'

Another viewer tweeted: 'Okay I’m not tryna be mean, but the National Anthem singers were not the best at ya know, singing lol.'

The first final four game Saturday night sees Florida face Auburn before Houston then takes on Cooper Flagg's Duke in the later showdown.

The final will then be held on Monday evening.