Ali Berke Talks About Her MLB National Anthem Challenge And Debut EP ‘Do You Hear Me?’

Sports is for music lovers!

When not listening to her amazing music when it plays on our Spotify playlists, Ali Berke’s voice can be heard on gameday, as she’s performed the national anthem at almost every single sports venue we can think of.

We had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Ali about performing live, the Madison Square Garden, and more!

When did you first decide that you wanted to take on your national anthem challenge?

A: “In 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to sing the national anthem for the Boston Red Sox. That moment was a huge turning point for me—standing there at Fenway Park, feeling the energy of the crowd, and knowing the anthem was such a powerful symbol of unity, pride, and history. After that performance, I was so inspired that I spoke with my dad about setting myself a personal challenge to perform the national anthem at all 30 MLB stadiums. It felt like the perfect way to combine my passion for music with the chance to make a lasting impact. I’m committed to making it a reality and excited to continue on the journey and all the opportunities that come with it!”

What do you enjoy the most when it comes to performing live?

A: “For me, live performances are where I feel most alive. I absolutely love interacting with the crowd. There’s something so special about seeing their reactions to my music—whether it’s through a smile, a tear, or just the energy they give back. Performing live also allows me to connect in a way that studio recordings can’t. Sharing my stories and songs is therapeutic for me, and I hope that by doing so, I can offer something meaningful to my listeners. Music is so powerful, and if it can inspire or comfort someone, it makes every performance worthwhile. I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to share that experience with others.”

If you had to choose, what game has been your personal favorite experience singing the national anthem thus far?

A: “Hands down, singing for the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden is my personal favorite. That was such a dream come true for me—performing in such an iconic venue is something I’ll never forget. I’ve always looked up to Madison Square Garden as a symbol of greatness, so being able to stand on that stage and sing the national anthem was a bucket-list moment. The energy in the arena, the buzz of anticipation before the game—it was all just electric. It was a moment of personal achievement and an experience I’ll treasure forever.”

You’ve performed for the WNBA, the NBA, the MLB, and the NHL. Is there any other league that you would want to sing for?

A: “The opportunity to sing for the WNBA, NBA, MLB, and NHL has been such an incredible honor, but if I had to choose, I would absolutely love to perform for the NFL. The excitement, the energy, and the magnitude of an NFL game would be such a thrilling experience. It’s such a legendary stage, and I can’t wait for that opportunity to manifest!”

What would be your best piece of advice to someone who is trying to get over stage fright?

A: “Stage fright is something that everyone deals with in their own way. For me, it’s all about connecting with the music and the message I’m sharing. I tell people to focus on the reason why they’re performing—whether it’s to share their art, express themselves, or simply connect with the audience. If you approach the stage like you’re having a conversation with a friend, it helps calm your nerves and ground you. Remember, the audience isn’t there to judge—they’re there to listen, to feel, and to connect with your story. So take a deep breath, focus on the moment, and let the music guide you.”

We absolutely love your EP Do You Hear Me? If you had to choose, what is your favorite song from the EP and why?

A: “Thank you so much for the kind words! If I had to pick one song from the EP, it would be “Do You Hear Me?” It’s incredibly personal to me. I wrote it as the second song after my mom passed away, and it holds so much emotional weight. It’s a song about longing, about the hope that she can hear me even though she’s no longer with me. The lyrics are raw, and the connection to that song is something I carry with me every day. It’s my way of reaching out, of expressing everything I feel and still wonder about. It’s a deeply therapeutic song for me, and I hope it resonates with others who have experienced loss.”

You manifested performing at Madison Square Garden! What is your next goal that you are hoping to manifest in 2025?

A: “In 2025, I’m hoping to take my music to an even wider audience. I’m manifesting being an opening act on a major tour. To have the chance to share my music with people across the country, to meet fans who have supported me through my journey—that would be a dream come true. I’m also focused on growing my reach and connecting with more people through my music. Whether that’s through more performances, new releases, or collaborations, I’m excited to see where this next year takes me. My ultimate goal is to touch as many lives as possible with my music and continue to grow as an artist.”

Where can we follow your amazing journey?

A: “You can follow my journey on Instagram @aliberkeofficial and TikTok @aliberkeofficial23, and of course, you can stream my music on all platforms under Ali Berke. I’m always sharing updates about new releases, upcoming performances, and behind-the-scenes moments. I’d love for you to join me on this journey!”

Make sure to stream her EP ‘Do You Hear Me?’, available now on all music platforms!