NE-YO brought his signature R&B vocals 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 his rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the Milwaukee Brewers faced the Tampa Bay Rays in a crucial championship matchup.
With Milwaukee entering the evening holding a 3-0 series advantage, the Brewers were one victory away from claiming their first World Series championship. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, was fighting to keep its season alive.
NE-YO’s appearance continued a lineup of musical talent featured throughout this year’s Fall Classic. Country artist Mickey Guyton performed the anthem before Game 1, followed by singer and actress Kylie Cantrall for Game 2 and country star Carly Pearce for Game 3.
Before taking the field, NE-YO spoke with MLB Network about the preparation involved in performing one of the most recognizable songs in American music. He explained that reviewing the lyrics and completing vocal exercises were important parts of his routine, particularly given the pressure of performing before a national television audience.
The World Series appearance was hardly unfamiliar territory for the veteran entertainer.
NE-YO previously performed the national anthem at the 2016 NBA All-Star Game, a Thanksgiving NFL matchup between the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears in 2021, and the championship game of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament in 2023.
His latest high-profile appearance also comes during an interesting period in his recording career.
The singer, whose catalog includes hits such as “So Sick,” “Miss Independent” and “Because of You,” released his country-inspired album *Highway 79* in July 2026. The project marked a stylistic expansion for an artist whose career has been closely associated with contemporary R&B and pop music.
NE-YO first gained widespread recognition as a songwriter before establishing himself as a successful recording artist. His 2006 debut album, *In My Own Words*, helped launch a career that has included chart success, major awards and performances on prominent international stages.
Tuesday’s pregame festivities also featured former Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, who returned to participate in the ceremonial first pitch.
For NE-YO, the evening represented another opportunity to bring his music to an audience extending well beyond his traditional fan base.
From R&B radio to the World Series spotlight, the singer continues to demonstrate the crossover reach that has helped sustain his career for more than two decades.
