By the fifth inning of Game 2 between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Rogers Centre, the tension was immense. Tied at 1-1, fans were on the edge. Just then came the MLB annual Stand Up to Cancer tribute, honoring the fighters, the survivors, and those lost. But before the emotions could settle in, it was the Jonas Brothers taking the mics.

Guitars in hand, the sibling trio launched into their 2025 single, “I Can’t Lose.” The crowd reaction was confused at best! Not only were they worried about the disruption in the game’s momentum, but a mini concert when the hearts were heavy did not sit right with a few. Kevin Pillar, the Toronto Blue Jays veteran, was one among them.

“Cancer is a thing that affects a lot of people… We had people within our staff who had family members go through it. It just felt out of place to have the concert go on right after an emotional break,” he shared on the Foul Territory podcast.

The SU2C has been one of the most respected and emotional traditions in the game since 2009. And for a reason. From players, umpires, and managers to fans, it has been a platform to pay tribute and honor the close ones, and Game 2 was a good window. While George Springer honored his grandparents, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. held one out for his ‘Abulea’. Mookie Betts’ card read ‘Ron,’ and the stands came together for “Survivors,” “Those We Lost,” and “Loved Ones.”

It’s not that fans or players have anything against the Jonas brothers, just that the performance seemed like a swift pivot from all the emotions. For what it’s worth, though, the Jonas Brothers themselves were paying a tribute to their father, Kevin Jonas Sr., who is also a cancer survivor. The song, “I Can’t Lose,” is the official song for the campaign, too.

But the truth is, timing is everything.

Even if they had announced, “As lifelong baseball fans, it’s special to be part of a moment where music and purpose come together,” days before the game, there was no stopping the backlash. What was meant to be a unifying moment at the WS now feels like a total whiplash. But Joe Jonas seemed to have taken it with a pinch of salt.

On the MLB post that said, “SPEECHLESS. OVER THE EDGE. JUST BREATHLESS,” he responded with a self-aware jab: “Why these guys?”

This tribute has always been about the reflection time, and this year at the World Series, it turned into a headline for all the wrong reasons. But on the entertainment front, the next games might just make up for all the confusion that overshadowed what Game 2 would have had in store.

Star power takes the field for MLB World Series Games 3 & 4

After the amazing Pharrell Williams show and the head-scratching and maybe not liked Jonas Brothers show in Toronto in games 1 and 2, the spotlight is on other stars in the next leg.

On October 27, country star Brad Paisley will kick it off at Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium with the US national anthem. Fans know that he has a knack for storytelling. While his last album came out a hot minute ago—Love and War in 2017—he has something new coming out soon: His holiday-themed album drops on November 7.

Sharing the spotlight will be Jessie Reyez. Toronto’s own Grammy-nominated R&B powerhouse, and the one who will sing the Canadian national anthem. She is fresh off releasing her third album, called Paid in Memories, which also features collabs with Lil Wayne and Miguel. Did you know Reyez has also published a poetry collection? Multi-talented!

Then on October 28 at the World Series, there will be a mix of rhythm and soul as Tinashe, who is currently topping the charts with – No Broke Boys– will perform the US Anthem. Toronto’s Deborah Cox, who is newly nominated for a Grammy for the Wiz album, will represent her home country with her vocals.

So, games 3 and 4 will be more than just great plays.