State of Origin kicked off with another anthem blunder at the decider after singer Emma Tomlinson was stitched up by apparent technical problems at Suncorp Stadium.
The backing track paused briefly just seconds in, and the issues became clear when Tomlinson began singing out of time with the music.
Tomlinson battled on to belt out Advance Australia Fair alongside more than 52,000 fans inside the ground.
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While some fans were quick to stick the boot, other fans felt for Tomlinson.
“Lady singing the anthem didn’t stand a chance,” one said.
“There was feedback coming through the speakers before she even opened her mouth.”
Another said: “I don’t usually comment on this stuff but was it just me or was the national anthem at the SOO really out of sync?”
One more noted: “Sound guys f***** over the national anthem singer. Great vocals but don’t think she could hear the music in her earpiece.”
Tomlinson’s make-up — donning blue on one and maroon on the other — also didn’t go unnoticed.
“The eyeshadow of the girl singing the national anthem is genius!” one fan said.
Tomlinson watched the game from the stands and was in shock at the support she received.
“My face after seeing how many notifications there are in my phone at the moment 😳,” she wrote.
Tomlinson, who has autism and is an ambassador for Autism Queensland, had earlier celebrated her rise from being bullied to singing the anthem in front of Australia.
“Let my story and resilience be a reminder to you all. Never underestimate someone’s capability because of their difference,” Tomlinson wrote before the game.
“The girl who was underestimated, misunderstood, and told what she couldn’t do is about to sing the Australian National Anthem this Wednesday at the State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium.
“Let this be a reminder that someone’s disability does not define their potential. Sometimes the people the world underestimates are the very ones who go on to achieve the extraordinary.
“To every young person who’s ever been told ‘you can’t’ because you’re different: don’t let someone else’s limits become your own. Keep showing up. Keep believing. Keep shining bright. The world will catch up.
“Thank you to everyone who has believed in me.”
Tomlinson’s audio issues came after country singer Robbie Mortimer came under scrutiny for his rendition of the anthem at the Origin opener.
