SINGER Rachel Platten has recently addressed the backlash she faced following her performances before the Los Angeles Rams’ playoff showdown against the Minnesota Vikings. The Rams secured a decisive 27-9 victory in the NFL Wild Card Round, but the pre-game entertainment sparked a wave of criticism.
Platten was invited to perform as part of a tribute to the victims of the devastating fires that have swept across California. Her emotional performance included her 2015 hit "Fight Song," followed by a heartfelt rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. While many fans appreciated her contributions, others accused the 43-year-old singer of "crocodile tears" during her emotional display.
The accusations seemed to stem from the juxtaposition of her heartfelt performances against the backdrop of a competitive NFL playoff atmosphere. However, Platten was quick to defend her emotional response. In a statement, she emphasized the significance of the night, saying, "It was such an emotional night. It was so much bigger than me and the song." Her words resonated with many, highlighting the power of music to connect people during difficult times.
Before the game, the Rams organization made a point to honor the brave firefighters battling the blazes. Players wore t-shirts emblazoned with "LAFD," a tribute to the Los Angeles Fire Department. This gesture underscored the community’s solidarity in the face of adversity and added weight to Platten’s emotional performances.
Despite the criticism, it was clear that Platten’s performance had a profound impact on the players. The ESPN broadcast captured the emotional reactions of Rams stars like Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford, who were visibly moved on the sidelines. Head coach Sean McVay also appeared glassy-eyed, showcasing the emotional weight of the moment.
In her defense, Platten explained, "What I felt on stage was, ‘May this song touch people like medicine, may this song be healing.’ I did feel a reverberation and an echo in the stadium of that hunger for hope in the midst of darkness. Sometimes music can do what words can’t." This sentiment highlights the role of music as a healing force, especially during challenging times.
Interestingly, Platten made a slight alteration to the lyrics of her song during the performance. Instead of the original line, "I might only have one match/ But I can make an explosion," she changed it to "We might have been knocked down/ But I know we’ll keep going." This modification resonated with the audience, reinforcing the theme of resilience in the face of adversity.
The emotional atmosphere of the night was palpable, and many fans found solace in the performances. Platten’s heartfelt tribute and the Rams’ dedication to honoring those affected by the fires created a powerful moment that transcended the game itself. It reminded everyone that, while football is a fierce competition, it can also be a platform for unity and healing.
As the NFL playoffs continue, the focus will shift to the upcoming matchups. Fans are eager to see how the Rams will carry this emotional momentum into their next game. The division round schedule is set, with exciting matchups ahead:
NFL Division Round Schedule
- Sat 18 Jan, 4:30 pm ET (ESPN/ABC) – Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs
- Sat 18 Jan, 8:00 pm ET (Fox) – Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions
- Sun 19 Jan, 3:00 pm ET (NBC) – Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles
- Sun 19 Jan, 6:30 pm ET (CBS) – Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills
With the stakes higher than ever, the Rams will need to channel the emotional energy from their recent performances as they prepare for their next challenge. The NFL playoffs are a time for heroes to emerge, and the Rams have already shown that they can rise to the occasion both on and off the field.
As fans gear up for the next round of playoffs, they will undoubtedly remember the emotional tribute that preceded the Rams’ victory. It serves as a reminder that the heart of the game lies not just in the competition, but in the connections forged through shared experiences and the resilience of the human spirit.
