State of Origin national anthem from Dylan Wright divides fans

An Australian Idol winner took a huge risk by unveiling a whole new take on Advance Australia Fair, drawing a very mixed response.

Dylan Wright’s version of the national anthem divided the country. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Australians were left deeply divided over an unusual interpretation of the Australian national anthem for State of Origin game one.

After an impressive Welcome to Country by 21-year-old Savannah Fynn from Dubbo, 2024 Australian Idol winner Dylan Wright took to a small stage for Advance Australia Fair.

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Rather than the usual pomp and ceremony musical rhythm Aussies have become accustomed to at live events, Wright donned a powder green suit and a guitar, producing an acoustic version of the anthem.

The packed Accor Stadium crowd for the Origin opener seemed to take a moment or two to get its head around the new interpretation, but soon appeared to enjoy it, with the noise building up towards the end as Wright received a big cheer.

The reaction on social media to the vastly different version was then decidedly mixed.

Dylan Wright’s version of the national anthem divided the country. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

SMH sports columnist Peter FitzSimons was among those interested in starting a discussion, writing on X: “Ummm, that rendition of the National Anthem? Your thoughts?”

One wrote: “Loved it.”

Another wrote simply: “Terrible.”

Among those that took to the platform to vent their own opinions, a number weren’t pleased with Wright’s interpretation.

“Lousy… we want the anthem sung with passion, not like a sleepy ballad!” was one post.

“Disgraceful, embarrassing, disgusting. It is a National Anthem not a pop song,” wrote another.

“Bro why are they doing an Ed Sheeran remix of the national anthem??” asked a third.

Savannah Fynn during her Welcome to Country. Photo: Twitter

Naturally, there was also a vast number of positive reactions to a song that typically fails to generate much enthusiasm and fervour.

“And THATS how you sing the national anthem,” one wrote.

“Quite possibly the best rendition of the national anthem I’ve ever heard,” suggested another.

“OK I actually like this acoustic version of the anthem,” was another comment.

Fynn also didn’t miss a beat in her Welcome to Country, which was also noted by some social media users.

“Welcome to country defeats Anthem by some margin,” was one opinion.

“What a gorgeous welcome to country from that young woman!” wrote another.

It was a fairly low-key start to what quickly became an explosive game, with debutant Joseph Sua’ali’i sent off in the opening minutes for his high shot on Reece Walsh before the Maroons galloped out to a 20-6 lead.

The Blues tried to hit back early in the second half, but were unable to convert some possession into real scoreboard pressure, ultimately succumbing to a heavy 38-10 loss.