Ryan James Singer

Leafs fans save American anthem singer that forgot lyrics to O Canada

Toronto Maple Leafs fans are proving themselves to be worthwhile anthem singers.

After stepping up to help sing the Star Spangled Banner in Toronto earlier this month following a microphone malfunction, Leafs fans helped out another anthem singer on Thursday.

This time, in South Florida.

Canadian hockey fans attending a Maple Leafs-Panthers game at FLA Live Arena bailed out American singer Ryan Michael James, who appeared to forget the lyrics to O Canada early on in the anthem.

Trouble began after he sang "in all of us command," with the singer struggling through the rest of the song, mumbling in parts, while the crowd kept the anthem on track.

Turns out, he had a good reason for messing up the song.

James was initially booked to sing only the American national anthem for the game, and found out just two hours prior to puck drop that he would also be singing O Canada.

"Still trying to learn the words to 'O Canada," he posted on Instagram less than two hours before attempting the Canadian national anthem.

James later apologized for the error, telling Toronto's Kiss 92.5: "Canada I am so sorry for flubbing the lyrics… I promise it was not intentional."

The American singer, who was not previously familiar with the Canadian anthem, said he was promised the lyrics would be displayed on a screen while he was singing.

"They were not," he said. "As much as I rehearsed it, I panicked and couldn’t get back to where I needed to be."

Leafs fans in attendance left the arena happy, as Toronto won the game 6-2, creeping closer to clinching a playoff spot with the victory.

Lead photo by

Sportsnet


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Sports & Play

Toronto Raptors players wore some wild costumes at their Halloween bash

Toronto Maple Leafs Halloween party featured plenty of hilarious costumes

Here's why a woman ran onto the court at a Toronto Raptors game

Toronto Maple Leafs are now worth a billion dollars more than before

Toronto's largest indoor roller skating rink shuts down

Fans can now tour the Leafs and Raptors dressing rooms at Scotiabank Arena

Former Toronto Raptors coach lived in a hotel during his whole tenure with team

Toronto Maple Leafs fan tosses jersey on ice during disappointing loss