The Los Angeles Rams cruised to a 27-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Monday’s Wild Card playoff game, but it wasn’t just the win that had everyone talking. Here’s what sparked the buzz.

Rachel Platten, best known for her hit “Fight Song,” has found herself under fire after her emotional rendition of the national anthem at the Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams Wild Card playoff game.

The performance meant to honor the victims of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, took a controversial turn when Platten was seen crying after finishing the anthem. However, many online viewers weren’t convinced that her tears were genuine, with some accusing the singer of shedding fake tears for the cameras.

As the Rams’ players took to the field, Platten was invited to perform an emotionally charged rendition of the national anthem. Footage from the performance shows Platten visibly emotional, with tears running down her face as she sang the final notes.

Her emotional display came after a tragic week for Los Angeles residents, who continue to face devastating losses due to the infernos.

Despite the solemn tone of the event, many social media users were quick to criticize Platten’s performance, calling it overdramatic and questioning the authenticity of her tears. A video clip of her performance quickly went viral on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), with users taking to the comments section to share their thoughts.

One user wrote, “Rachel Platten should not do the National Anthem again and that dramatic cry in the camera….give me a break.” Another commenter echoed this sentiment, “Rachel Platten [sic] fake crying after the national anthem was comedy.”

Other users were more critical of her singing ability, with one stating, “Good message but Rachel Platten sounds pretty bad…”

Another comment read, “Rachel Platten really can’t sing.” Some users also mocked Platten’s apparent emotional breakdown, with one asking, “Did that lady just start fake crying after singing the National Anthem?”

Others accused her of not knowing the lyrics to the song, with a user commenting, “Does anyone actually know the words to the national anthem? Rachel Platten clearly does not…”

While the majority of comments were negative, a few users acknowledged that singing the national anthem is a difficult task for any performer. One comment highlighted this point, saying, “you [sic] know singing the national anthem well isn’t something just anyone can do.”

However, the criticism didn’t stop there. Another user referred to her pre-game performance, writing, “Rachel Platten. She sang her song ‘fight song’ before the game and she sang the anthem….. Girlfriend should not perform live [sic].”

Another social media user added to the discussion, suggesting that Platten’s vocals were digitally enhanced, writing, “Rachel platten definitely was using auto tune on that song [sic].”

Though her performance was intended to convey unity and solidarity with those affected by the tragic wildfires in Los Angeles, the backlash indicates that the moment didn’t land the way Platten had hoped.

Before Platten took to the field to sing the national anthem, the Rams faced a crucial playoff battle against the Vikings. For Los Angeles players, this game was about more than just advancing to the next round — it was about giving their city something to rally behind amid the devastation of the wildfires.

Rams safety Quentin Lake said earlier in the week that the Wild Card matchup was “more than just a game.” Interestingly, the Rams proved that sentiment with a dominant performance on both sides of the ball.

The game’s turning point came in the second quarter when the Rams were leading 10-3. Lake contributed to a crucial strip-sack on a third-and-seven play that shifted the momentum of the game.

Defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s scheme confused the Vikings’ offensive line and quarterback Sam Darnold, allowing Lake to force Darnold out of the pocket, where cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon sacked him and stripped the ball.

Rams linebacker Jared Verse, who was acting as a quarterback spy, picked up the fumble and ran 57 yards for a touchdown, giving the Rams a commanding 17-3 lead. The play was a game-changer, adding 17% to the Rams’ win probability according to Next Gen Stats, and was the second-fastest sack of the Wild Card round.

The Rams’ defense continued to dominate, tying an NFL record with nine sacks in a single playoff game. They also forced two turnovers and limited the Vikings to just 6 of 17 on third downs, holding their offense to a mere nine points in a 27-9 victory.

Head coach Sean McVay praised his defense for their execution and preparation, “I thought Chris (Shula) and the defensive coaches did an excellent job of creating an understanding of the intent, why we’re doing it, and then being able to get it done.”

Sam Darnold struggled under the Rams’ relentless pressure, completing just six passes under duress and throwing one interception. The Rams’ complicated blitzes and defensive schemes left the Vikings quarterback rattled throughout the game, a strategy inspired by their Week 8 win and the Detroit Lions’ previous victories over Minnesota.

In addition to performing the national anthem, Platten sang her hit track “Fight Song” before the game. The song was meant as a tribute to the firefighters battling the relentless wildfires in Los Angeles. Platten had previously shared news of her performances via her Instagram Story, where she expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to take part in the event.

The “Fight Song” was first released in 2015 and became an anthem of resilience and empowerment. In a November 2023 interview, Platten reflected on the song’s enduring popularity. She explained that she had been touring the country for 13 years before the song became a hit, and the success it brought her was both “jarring and incredible.”

“I wrote ‘Fight Song’ for myself at a moment when I had to decide — was I going to give up on this career or not? The fact that that very emotion, that very sentiment was the thing that finally helped my career explode; it wasn’t lost on me,” Platten said.

Even after all these years, the singer remains grateful for the song’s cultural impact. She shared how younger generations continue to discover the track through their parents.

“The most crazy thing for me is that after almost 10 years, it’s still happening, like, that’s the part that I can’t get over. The fact that my friends’ daughters are still discovering it and it just doesn’t seem to fade culturally. I’m just so grateful,” noted the 43-year-old songstress.