Last weekend, American singer Fergie had the task of singing her country’s national anthem at the NBA All-Star game. However, her performance was far from being conventional; she added several twists to the song and was heavily criticized by fans, basketball players and fellow musicians.
Kevin Hart: “I just engineered the biggest pre-game disaster in television history.”
Fergie: “Hold my beer.”— Tim Ring (@timringTV) February 19, 2018
#NBAAllStarGame: Marvin Gaye singing the 🇺🇸 anthem in ‘83=👍 Fergie singing the 🇺🇸 Anthem tonight = pic.twitter.com/G1C7sHVNA7
— Drew Powell (@thedrewpowell) February 19, 2018
Sorry Fergie. I’m a fan but to be honest, that was horrible! Actually probably one of the worst. Not a hater… just telling it like it is. pic.twitter.com/woS1oAfcIX
— Brian Fox (@BrianFox1960) February 19, 2018
How we all felt while Fergie sang the nation anthem. #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/gOQHMDeGww
— Jessa Riskey (@jessicariskey) February 19, 2018
Still processing that Fergie National Anthem #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/jMWDXdpX3I
— Marlow Stern (@MarlowNYC) February 19, 2018
Responding to critics in a statement, Fergie defended her choice to sing the anthem the way she did. ‘I’ve always been honoured and proud to perform the National Anthem and last night I wanted to try something special for the NBA. I’m a risk taker artistically, but clearly, this rendition didn’t strike the intended tone. I love this country and honestly tried my best,’ she said.
Watch the performance above and rate her.
