The NFL expected history to be made in Madrid, but the league didn’t expect Karina Pasian and her racy national anthem outfit to steal the show.
Pasian performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the league’s first regular-season fixture in Spain.
The Santiago Bernabéu was packed as Miami faced Washington in a tight matchup.
She appeared in a black minidress with thigh-high stockings, garters and opera gloves. The look split opinion online and quickly became its own talking point.
Singer Karina Pasian slammed over outfit during US national anthem at first-ever NFL game in Spain https://t.co/Bdjae30ge1 pic.twitter.com/VDeJ4KEsAv
— New York Post (@nypost) November 17, 2025
One viewer asked why she was “dressed like a cabaret dancer”, while another called the outfit “disrespectful”. A third accepted the look was “a bit inappropriate” but praised her vocals.
Supporters called the rendition “beautiful” and argued it was the best they had heard in years. Some even compared it to iconic Super Bowl performances.
Pasian’s debut album reached No. 11 on the US R&B chart in 2008, and she has released several EPs since. She also lives in Spain, so she did not need to travel.
Madrid-based vocalist Karina Pasian sings the U.S. National Anthem for the first-ever NFL game in Spain. pic.twitter.com/vIhnBFq4sA
— NFL (@NFL) November 16, 2025
Karina Pasian responds to national anthem outfit criticism
Pasian addressed the reaction in a conversation with TMZ Sports. She admitted the scale of the debate surprised her.
“They approved my outfit a few days before,” she said. “It was all approved by the NFL.”
She stressed she never meant to offend anyone. Pasian said the style came from an aesthetic she enjoys. “I’m really sorry if anyone felt offended by it, but it wasn’t my intention.”
“My intention was to have a good time,” she added. “I loved my outfit.”
The timing also overlapped with her new single “Solo Party”. Pasian said the song reflects her mindset. “It’s about focusing on my journey and not allowing negativity and things to distract me.”
A dramatic finish in Madrid
The Dolphins and Commanders traded stops throughout a low-scoring afternoon, with neither offence finding much rhythm in regulation.
Miami eventually found the decisive play in overtime. A short drive set up the winning kick, sealing a 16–13 victory in the Bernabéu.
Washington dropped to another close defeat, while Miami strengthened its push heading into Week 12.
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