October baseball has arrived, and that means the World Series is close.Starting on Friday, October 24, two teams will battle it out in a best-of-seven series for the biggest prize in MLB.The 2025 World Series, which serves as MLB’s showpiece, is just weeks awayGettyChampions from the American League (AL) and the National League (NL) will go head-to-head, with hopes of writing themselves into the history books and lifting the Commissioner’s Trophy.Ahead of the 2025 World Series, postseason baseball is already under way, and the playoffs have served up plenty of drama so far.The iconic New York Yankees, who have won the World Series more times than any other team (27), will not get a chance to add a 28th title.Despite star Aaron Judge playing at MVP level this season, the Bronx Bombers lost the AL Division Series (ALDS) to the Toronto Blue Jays in four games.The Seattle Mariners or Detroit Tigers await Toronto in the AL Championship Series (ALCS) that begins on Sunday, October 12.Meanwhile, the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers will contest the NL Championship Series.But their path through the NLDS wasn’t without drama, when Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Orion Kerkering handed them a Game 4 walk-off with with a stunning error.Los Angeles will face either the Chicago Cubs or Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS that starts on Monday, October 13.Once the champions of the AL and NL are decided, all eyes will turn to the 2025 World Series.But before the first pitch is thrown, those lucky enough to be inside the ballpark for each game will rise to their feet in honor of the Star-Spangled Banner.The World Series national anthem is usually sang by a famous music artistGettyWho is performing the national anthem at the World Series?As the World Series is MLB’s showpiece, the artist with the honor of signing the pregame national anthem usually matches the star power on the field.The World Series, of course, is not a singular event like the NFL‘s annual Super Bowl.As it’s best-of-seven series, there could potentially be seven different artists singing the national anthem, one before each game.This year’s performers have not yet been announced.Who performed the national anthems in 2024?A number of big names belted out The Star-Spangled Banner in the 2024 World Series.Country singer Brad Paisley performed ahead of Game 1, while 19-year-old Pearle Peterson sang for Game 2.Ashanti sang the national anthem ahead of Game 4 in New York last yearGettyHamilton star Leslie Odom Jr performed before Game 3, and Grammy Award-winning artist Ashanti had the honor for Game 4.R&B singer Babyface sang the national anthem before Game 5, in which the Dodgers won the World Series.Which other famous artists have featured at the World Series?Plenty of other huge names have performed in years gone by.Taylor Swift, who is now engaged to NFL star Travis Kelce, sang the national anthem prior to Game 3 of the 2008 World Series.2025 World Series informationHere's everything you need know ahead of the 2025 World SeriesDates:Game 1: October 24Game 2: Saturday, October 25Game 3: Monday, October 27Game 4: Tuesday, October 28Game 5: Wednesday, October 29Game 6: Friday, October 31Game 7: Saturday, November 1Location: Venues alternate between the competing teamsTimings: Yet to be announced, but games begin at eight minutes past the hourBetting favourites:Los Angeles Dodgers – 11/5Toronto Blue Jays – 7/2Detroit Tigers – 9/1Milwaukee Brewers – 11/2Chicago Cubs – 20/1Other stars, like Billy Joel, Kelly Clarkson and Marvin Gaye, have also had the honor in years gone by.Jose Feliciano performed one of the most iconic national anthems at the 1968 World Series.His slow, Latin-jazz inspired rendition at Game 5 sparked controversy and damaged his career at the time, but ultimately paved the way for more artistic interpretations of The Star-Spangled Banner.Is there a halftime show at the World Series?There is no halftime, and therefore no halftime show, in baseball.Baseball does not have a halftime show like the NFL’s Super BowlGettyThe closest thing is the seventh-inning stretch, which takes place between the top and bottom of the seventh.Spectators take a moment to move around to relieve stiffness from sitting, and many ballparks feature a public singing of the iconic Take Me Out to the Ball Game song.With no halftime performance to speak of in the World Series, all eyes will be on those performing the national anthem instead. Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the news, exclusives, interviews and more.