Opera singer Marla Kavanaugh received harsh criticism for her unaccompanied operatic rendition of "God Defend New Zealand" at an All Blacks game in San Diego.

Opera singer Marla Kavanaugh, who grew up in New Zealand and has ties to Palmerston North, faced widespread criticism for her performance of the national anthem at an All Blacks game in San Diego. Kavanaugh's rendition of "God Defend New Zealand" was called "dreadful" and "embarrassing" by fans on social media. Judy Bellingham, a former Associate Prof in voice at the University of Otago, noted that it's difficult to sing an anthem unaccompanied in an operatic voice.

July 21, 2024
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