The Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to square off in Week 11 on November 16. Singer Ali Berke will steal the spotlight by singing the national anthem during the pre-game celebrations. On a mission to sing the anthem in all 30 MLB stadiums, she has even earned the name ‘Ali The Anthem Girl.’ We got more information for you when she sat down for an exclusive interview with us.

Here’s her complete journey in her own words. She named her favorite NFL player, along with the excitement about her first NFL performance.

Q: For fans who might be seeing you for the first time, who is “Ali the Anthem Girl” in your own words? How did this whole journey of singing the national anthem at stadiums actually begin for you? Was there one moment that kicked it all off?

“I’m a pop singer from Long Island, but I’m also someone who genuinely loves what the national anthem stands for: unity, pride, and gratitude. The “Anthem Girl” journey started when I sang at Citi Field at just sixteen. I remember walking out onto that field and feeling 20,000 eyes on me. It was surreal. My dad and I were talking one day about how I would be one of the first to have ever sung the anthem at all 30 Major League ballparks, and we thought, why not me? That moment at Fenway Park really kicked it off. It felt like the start of something bigger, and from there, we just kept going.”

Q. You’re on a mission to sing at all 30 MLB ballparks. How did that goal come about, and how seriously are you tracking that checklist? Is there a particular park you’re dreaming of crossing off the list, or a stadium that intimidates you a little?

“It started as a simple ‘what if’ conversation with my dad, and now it has become a huge part of my life. Every stadium is special because they all have their own energy and story. I keep a list and track each one I cross off. I’ve done 20 so far, and I’d love to hit Yankee Stadium and Fenway again. Fenway has a special place in my heart because that’s where this whole dream started. None of them intimidates me. I just walk out there, take a deep breath, and remind myself why I do it.”

Q. You’ve mostly been associated with baseball so far, so how did the opportunity to perform at the Bills vs. Buccaneers game come together, and what does it mean to you personally to bring your anthem to an NFL crowd for a matchup like that?

“It means everything. I’m a huge Bills fan, so to perform on their home turf for a big game like this is truly a dream come true. It combines two things I love, sports and performing, and to be able to represent my favorite team in that way feels really special. It’s one of those full-circle moments I’ll never forget.”

Q. What’s the one thing you’re most excited to experience on game day in Buffalo? The crowd, the weather, the energy, the flyover, something else?

“Definitely the crowd and the energy. Bills fans are next level. There’s so much heart and passion in that stadium. I can’t wait to feel that energy from the field. The anthem always creates this moment where everyone stops and comes together, and to experience that in Buffalo will be incredible.”

Q. If you get a second on the sideline, is there one NFL player you’d love to meet at that game?

“Josh Allen. He’s my favorite player, and he just seems like such a down-to-earth guy. It would be amazing to get a quick moment to say hi and thank him for inspiring so many fans.”

Q. What does the national anthem symbolize for you beyond just being a song you perform?

“It’s so much more than a song. It’s a unifying moment. For those two minutes, everyone stands together no matter who they are or where they’re from. It’s about honoring the country and the people who have sacrificed for it, and I feel that deeply every single time I sing it.”

Q. A lot of fans wonder about this side of it: when you perform the national anthem at MLB or NFL games, is there any compensation involved, or is it usually more of an honor and visibility opportunity?

“There’s usually some compensation, but for me it’s really about the honor and the visibility. Not everyone gets to stand in front of thousands of people and sing something so meaningful. I do it because I love it. It’s truly an honor every time.”

Q. Do you have any pre-performance rituals or superstitions before walking out onto the field?

“Honestly, no real rituals. I just try to stay calm all day and save my voice. Every performance feels different, but this one definitely has me a little more anxious than usual.”

Q. How do you approach the anthem stylistically? Are you more “keep it classic” or do you like to add your own flair in small ways?

“I always try to approach the anthem the same way, keeping it pretty classic but adding a few of my own subtle twists. It’s such a powerful song on its own, so I like to honor that while still making it feel uniquely like me.”

Ali Berke has been enjoying the spotlight the sports have given her. Hope you enjoyed the other aspects of her anthem-singing spree. She definitely spoke her heart out in the exclusive interview.

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