NE-YO brought his voice to baseball’s biggest stage on Tuesday, October 27, performing the national anthem ahead of Game 4 of the 2026 World Series at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The three-time Grammy Award winner delivered “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the Tampa Bay Rays faced the Milwaukee Brewers. Speaking ahead of the game, NE-YO explained that his preparation included reviewing the lyrics and completing vocal exercises to ensure a traditional performance.
The R&B singer stood with his hat at his side as an American flag was displayed behind him during the ceremony.
NE-YO joined a lineup of artists who performed the national anthem throughout the series, including Mickey Guyton, Kylie Cantrall, and Carly Pearce.
The appearance also added to his history of performing at major sporting events. He previously sang at the 2016 NBA All-Star Game and appeared during the 2023 NBA In-Season Tournament final.
Beyond sports, NE-YO continues to explore different musical styles. In July 2026, he released Highway 79, a country-inspired album marking another chapter in his recording career.