Jennifer Hudson, Patti LaBelle Perform 2 Patriotic Anthems at MLB All-Star Game

Q: Amidst Philadelphia's celebration, which league won the All-Star Game and who earned the coveted MVP award?

It is not yet possible to say which league won the 2026 MLB All-Star Game or who was named MVP based on the provided material. The news story and supporting search content describe the Philadelphia event’s patriotic atmosphere, performances by Jennifer Hudson and Patti LaBelle, and fan festivities, but they do not include the final result of the main 2026 MLB All-Star Game or its Most Valuable Player. The additional material explicitly indicates the game had not yet been played at the time that content was produced, noting it was a preview with MVP odds and predictions rather than final results. One related result is available: in the 2026 All-Star Futures Game, the American League beat the National League 6-1, and Nathan Flewelling earned MVP honors. But that was the Futures Game, not the MLB All-Star Game itself.

Q: Following their national showcase, how many HBCU Swingman Classic players were selected in the 2026 MLB Draft?

One HBCU Swingman Classic player was selected in the 2026 MLB Draft, based on the provided reporting. The available draft-related detail identifies Michael Smith Jr. as the lone confirmed selection. He was taken in the 13th round by the San Diego Padres after appearing in the HBCU Swingman Classic, the All-Star Week showcase created to give top HBCU players exposure to MLB scouts. While the broader background notes that 10 Swingman Classic participants have been drafted cumulatively since the event began, the material tied specifically to the 2026 draft names only Smith. On that basis, the answer is one.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 15

Jennifer Hudson opened the MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia with “God Bless America,” drawing strong social-media reaction ahead of her upcoming FIFA World Cup final ceremony appearance.
Patti LaBelle, a Philadelphia native, followed with “The Star-Spangled Banner,” giving the pregame ceremony a hometown centerpiece at Citizens Bank Park.
Philadelphia’s patriotic staging leaned into the U.S. 250th-birthday moment, with players also signing a giant replica of the Declaration of Independence.
Fox’s live coverage from the All-Star Fan Zone highlighted the festive buildup around the game, including fan interviews and a Liberty Bell-themed beer tap.