The NFL game at the MCG has opened to spine-tingling scenes.
With the game being played on September 9, there was a sensitive tribute to the 9-11 tragedy that rocked New York 25 years ago.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Cody Simpson at the NFL’s MCG game
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American soul band Infinity Song were then handed the keys to perform the US National Anthem. Typically, a job fraught with danger givings fans are unforgiving and quick to sink the boots in.
However, their gentle treatment of the Star-Spangled Banner was widely applauded by online critics.
“This is the most beautiful performance of our anthem I’ve ever heard,” one fan said on social media.
And another: “Outstanding.”
And another: “What a fantastic rendition of the national anthem! Never heard of Infinity Song before, but I definitely gotta check ‘em out.”
And another: “Never heard of Infinity Song but that was a really cool rendition of the national anthem.”
Of course, there was the odd brutal take, too.
“So disappointing. The most mumbled national anthem ever. Do better,” one unhappy fan raged.
And another: “And it was awful. Aussie Anthem guy was much better.”
And and another: “They got bodied by the Australian singer.”
That Aussie singer was former swimmer Cody Simpson, who was coming back from a serious vocal cord injury (vocal cord hemorrhage).
“Cody Simpson that was fantastic,” one fan said.
And another: “I hope the AFL have Cody Simpson on speed dial for the grand final too.”
And another: “Cody Simpson bringing a proud Australian touch to kickoff tonight.”
Star Channel 7 presenter Mel McLaughlin summed it up perfectly.
“Goose bumps,” McLaughlin said on Channel 7.
“We have just seen a bit of everything and really emotional as well.”
AFL great Nick Riewoldt said “that is a pre-game ceremony”.
“Both anthems incredible, beautiful,” Riewoldt said.
“The tribute to 9/11 as well, a huge day in the United States, 25 years, of course, tomorrow (US time.”
After the anthems, the US Marine Corps Ospreys and Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes flew over the MCG.
“That was unbelievable. The flyover, a little bit of everything there,” Riewoldt said.
“But we are ready – traditional rivals. We have been building up to this for so long. It does not get any bigger than this. The scene is set, the MCG looks a picture.
“It’s like sending Carlton and Collingwood to the US in the middle of the AFL season. Millions of people (watching). It could be one of the highest rating games this year.
“They don’t do it in halves.”