Lea Salonga sings US national anthem at Yankees game

MANILA, Philippines — Tony-award winning actress Lea Salonga has captivated baseball fans in the US following her rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” during a game of the New York Yankees on Monday night.

On its social media pages, the New York Yankees shared a video of Salonga singing the US national anthem at Yankee Stadium.

The Miss Saigon and Les Misérables star drew praise from Yankees fans, with many commending her “no frills” rendition.

“Lea is truly a voice of the world and for the world. Sung with earnest intensity that makes you feel the anthem’s message and purpose,” one wrote.

Also known for performing the singing voice in Disney films, Salonga currently stars in the ongoing Broadway run of Sondheim’s Old Friends.

Salonga is a US green card holder, which she confirmed in a 2021 interview with ABS-CBN was obtained through the “extraordinary ability” pathway.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services classifies those who have “extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics” as first preference immigrant worker and are eligible to apply for a permanent resident card.

But not even Salonga could rescue the Yankees, who lost to the visiting Los Angeles Angels, 1-0, after 11 innings.