The 2025 World Series Begins
The 2025 World Series officially kicked off on October 24, featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays. As the higher-seeded team, the Blue Jays hosted Games 1 and 2 at Rogers Centre in Toronto on October 24 and 25.
The series then moves to Los Angeles for Games 3, 4, and 5 on October 27–29, and if necessary, returns to Toronto for Games 6 and 7 on October 31 and November 1.
Pharrell Williams and Voices of Fire Open Game 1
Before the first pitch, Major League Baseball announced that Pharrell Williams and the gospel choir Voices of Fire would perform a special pre-game set. The group delivered a “synthesized” medley featuring tracks from their new album OPHANIM, including “ARE YOU READY?” and “THE ONE.”
Their uplifting performance brought an exciting, soulful energy to the stadium, marking a memorable start to the championship series.
From Netflix to the World Stage
Pharrell and Voices of Fire first captured audiences in their 2020 Netflix series Voices of Fire, which followed Pharrell and his uncle, Bishop Ezekiel Williams, as they assembled a talented gospel choir in Virginia.
Since then, they’ve performed at high-profile events worldwide — most recently at the Grace For The World special held at the Vatican in Italy.
Their partnership with MLB came full circle this year, as their song “ARE YOU READY?” was also used in the league’s postseason campaign, serving as the perfect anthem for baseball’s biggest stage.
A Dual Anthem Performance
Following their pre-game set, Voices of Fire stayed on the field to sing both the United States and Canadian national anthems, a fitting tribute for an international matchup between an American and a Canadian team.
The rendition drew widespread praise from fans and commentators alike, described as “majestic,” “heartfelt,” and “one of the best anthem performances in World Series history.”
A Grand Opening to Baseball’s Biggest Stage
The combination of Pharrell’s artistic vision, the choir’s soaring harmonies, and the electric atmosphere of Game 1 made for an unforgettable opening to the 2025 Fall Classic.
It was more than just a pre-game show — it was a celebration of music, unity, and the shared spirit that defines both baseball and art at their best.