Pharrell and gospel act Voices of Fire to perform at World Series opener

TORONTO — Pharrell Williams and the gospel choir Voices of Fire will help open the World Series in Toronto.

MLB says they’ve tapped the U.S. singer, known for his megahit “Happy,” for a pre-game performance on Friday alongside the Virginia-formed gospel group.

The organization says the show will celebrate the “unity and togetherness” of baseball as the Blue Jays hit the field for the first Toronto World Series game in 32 years.

The Jays are facing the Los Angeles Dodgers for Game 1 at the Rogers Centre.

Voices of Fire is also on deck to perform the national anthems for both the U.S. and Canada.

MLB says for O Canada, the choir will be joined by a local ensemble of Toronto orchestra members and other performers.

Voices of Fire was formed five years ago as part of a TV competition series on Netflix, which saw Bishop Ezekiel Williams, Pharrell’s uncle, partner with the singer to establish a world-class gospel choir.

Pharrell and the gospel act previously appeared together in a taped performance of their song “Are You Ready?” accompanied by a 25-piece orchestra inside an empty stadium, produced as part of the postseason campaign.

Meanwhile, sibling act the Jonas Brothers will make a special appearance at Game 2 of the World Series on Saturday, performing as part of a renewed partnership between MLB and charitable organization Stand Up To Cancer.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 23, 2025.