Country singer Robbie Mortimer responds to brutal criticism after State of Origin anthem backlash

Country singer Robbie Mortimer has broken his silence after copping a torrent of criticism over his performance of Advance Australia Fair before State of Origin I.

The Australian musician found himself at the centre of an online storm after singing the national anthem ahead of New South Wales' dramatic 18-6 victory over Queensland at Accor Stadium on Wednesday night.

Mortimer, who comes from the famous rugby league family including former Blues skipper Steve Mortimer, performed before more than 80,000 fans and millions watching at home

Within minutes of the performance ending, social media erupted with criticism, with some footy fans branding it one of the worst renditions they had ever heard.

One viewer described it as 'pound-for-pound the worst rendition I've ever heard', while another claimed the anthem had been 'butchered like nothing I've ever heard before'.

'It was just disgraceful. Took the shine off the game. Literally sounded like an orange having a cold if that was a thing lol,' another commenter wrote.

Others joined in on X, with one fan writing: 'It was a shocker musically speaking, but on the other hand, it was about as Aussie as you could possibly get, and continued a proud tradition of terrible Origin anthem renditions.'

Veteran journalist Peter FitzSimons also weighed in.

'Is it me, or was that rendition of the National Anthem at the #Origin a shocker?' he posted.

Mortimer later responded to the criticism, joking: 'I just got called out by a pirate,' a reference to FitzSimons' trademark bandana and profile picture on social media.

The singer later revealed he had spent much of the following day away from social media as the criticism continued to circulate online.

Support soon arrived from within the music industry, led by Borderlines chief executive Adam Simon, who publicly defended the singer and criticised the personal attacks directed at him.

'I'll be the first to acknowledge that Robbie Mortimer's rendition of the national anthem may not have gone the way anyone hoped. But what's happened since says far more about us than it does about him,' Simon wrote.

'Nobody deserves to be torn apart by thousands of strangers online over one moment.

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'Robbie is not just a performer - he's a human being, a mate, and part of our country music family. It takes courage to stand in front of a crowd and sing live, knowing things can go wrong.'

Simon said Australians did not need to enjoy the performance to treat the singer with respect.

'You don't have to love the performance to still show kindness,' he wrote.

'Let's remember that behind every headline, meme, and comment section is a real person who has feelings, family, friends, and a career.'

Mortimer responded with an emotional message of thanks.

'Adam. I've spent the day off my phone and haven't replied to many people,' he wrote.

'But want to say, thank you for taking the time to be a human and express your support!

'You didn't have to stick your neck out for me on a day like today but you did and I will never forget that.

'I've had an overwhelming amount of support from strangers, friends and wonderful people in our industry! Thank you mate. You're one of the good ones.'

The support continued across the Australian country music community.

Music influencer Sienna Mallon wrote: 'As a Robbie fan you smashed it mate.'

Country artist Saralyn added: 'Loved it Robbie.'

Singer-songwriter Jack Botts also offered his support, joking about the State of Origin rivalry.

'Let's gooooo brother!!! So sick. Love ya but maroon would look way better on you though, just sayin xx,' he wrote.