Singer Emma Tomlinson has thanked her fans for their “unconditional and overwhelming” support after overcoming technical difficulties to perform the anthem at Wednesday night’s State of Origin decider. Tomlinson had to contend with a range of issues when she began to sing Advance Australia Fair in front of 52,000 people at Suncorp Stadium.
Audio Glitches and Earpiece Failure
The backing track paused briefly seconds in, which made it sound like Tomlinson was out of sync, while the singer also revealed her earpiece wasn’t working. Fans were quick to sympathise with Tomlinson over the issue, and the singer delivered an emotional message later on Wednesday night.
“Hello, you beautiful people. I just want to say thank you all so, so much for your unconditional and overwhelming support,” she said in an emotional Instagram story. “I am so grateful and cannot thank you all enough considering my anthem tonight. “I had no sound, my in-ears weren’t working, and I really did rely on the arena sound and for those who were singing with me. “So for that, to be able to get through that was very challenging, and I am just so grateful to have done that. “And I really also hope that you all had an amazing night. And again, thank you so much for supporting me. I’m so grateful.”
Overwhelming Support from Fans
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. Fans watching on from home were quick to call out the audio issues, which were no fault of 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 Inspiring Journey
Tomlinson, who was diagnosed with autism as a child 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.”
Previous Anthem Controversy
Tomlinson’s audio issues came after country singer Robbie Mortimer came under scrutiny for his rendition of the anthem at the Origin opener.
