Footy fans got it all wrong on Wednesday night when they slammed the performance of the national anthem ahead of State of Origin Game 1.
Country singer Robbie Mortimer, part of the legendary Mortimer family lineage, took to the mic to belt out “Advance Australia Fair” at Accor Stadium.
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But his performance was slammed online, with his country rendition falling flat with many.
Fans criticised his pitch control, timing problems, and his country twist on the Australian national anthem.
“Didn’t realise the national anthem was called Advance Estrelia Fair,” reporter Lachlan McKirdy wrote.
While Journalist Mark Stevens said: “That anthem at Origin was horrendous.”
Daniel Watson Hayes added: “Overheard some shocking renditions of the Australian national anthem over the years, but that one takes the cake. That was horrendous. Whoever hired him is tone deaf.”
However, many who were quick to slam Mortimer missed the entire point.
Anyone who has listened to his music knows he has a unique voice, and that is what has made him popular in the country music space.
At the ground, many said the performance sounded “fine”, while fans of Robbie’s music rallied around the country singer on his Instagram page after he copped a barrage of backlash online.
“Done the state proud, brother fox, f*** the comments they don’t listen to ya music,” one wrote.
“Well done mate. An absolutely authentic rendition,” another said.
Fellow musicians also were quick to rally around Mortimer.
Singer Saralyn commented, “Loved it Robbie”, music influencer Sienna Mallon added “As a Robbie fan you smashed it mate” and Jack Botts said “Let’s gooooo brother!!! So sick. Love ya but maroon would look way better on you though, just sayin xx”.
He is also incredibly connected to the DNA of rugby league as part of the long and legendary Mortimer family lineage.
His father, Peter Mortimer, alongside uncles Steve and Chris, etched the family name into the folklore of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Last year, Steve Mortimer’s daughter, Erin, sang the national anthem ahead of Game 3, on the 40th anniversary of Mortimer’s famous triumph with the Blues in the 1985 Origin series – the first time NSW lifted the shield.
It was her third time singing the anthem at a State of Origin game after she did so in 2008 and 2013.
Last year, Steve Mortimer’s daughter, Erin, sang the national anthem ahead of Game 3, on the 40th anniversary of Mortimer’s famous triumph with the Blues in the 1985 Origin series – the first time NSW lifted the shield.
It was her third time singing the anthem at a State of Origin game after she did so in 2008 and 2013.
In a post to Instagram ahead of Game 1, Robbie wrote: “What an honour. My two worlds colliding.
“I’m honoured to be performing the Australian national anthem tonight at the State of Origin in front of over 82,000 people and millions at home.
“Extremely proud to be carrying on the Mortimer legacy, started by my dad and uncles on the rugby league paddock, not to mention my amazing cousin Erin who performed at the anthem last year.”
