Fergie’s “Star-Spangled Banner” Rendition Goes Viral For The Wrong Reasons
UPDATE: Fergie has responded to the controversy. “I’ve always been honored and proud to perform the national anthem and last night I wanted to try something special for the NBA,” she said in a statement.” 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.”
In 1990, Roseanne Barr incurred the wrath of America when she shouted her way through “Star-Spangled Banner” at a San Diego Padres game. That interpretation of the national anthem has reigned supreme as the most notorious for the past 25 years — that is until last night (February 18) when Fergie stepped to the mic at the NBA All-Stars Game. The “Glamorous” hitmaker, who looked resplendent in a sparkling black dress, put a bizarrely jazzy spin on the song and randomly threw in out-of-key vocal runs when they weren’t really required.
Audience members struggled to keep a straight face and social media exploded with both anger and amusement. Fergie’s rendition was called swiftly christened the worst of all time, but some commentators wondered if she sabotaged the performance as a political act. Whatever the case may be, it made for captivating television and should result in a welcome burst of promo via the inevitable apology tour. See some of the best tweets about the already-iconic trainwreck below.
To ruin your Monday and your ears, here’s Fergie for you. pic.twitter.com/R5t6guyE0H
— Alexander Thian (@aMrazing) February 19, 2018
Who saw Fergie's national anthem performance at the NBA All Star Game? I think mine was better lowkey
— Roseanne Barr (@therealroseanne) February 19, 2018
We LOVE you, Fergie! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6OseJwA7nl
— Chris Crocker (@ChrisCrocker) February 19, 2018
Just watching all the players’ reactions to Fergie has me dying 💀 pic.twitter.com/1887xdKW2M
— Athlete Tweets™ (@AthleteTweetsO) February 19, 2018
I gotta feelin’- tonight’s not gonna be a good night for Fergie.
— bob saget (@bobsaget) February 19, 2018
#Fergie’s #NationalAnthem be like… pic.twitter.com/l9PnlfcKFL
— Kevin Surma (@KevinSurma) February 19, 2018
All-Star Report Card
LeBron: A+
Fergie: F
More: https://t.co/0jP4pK7BoJ pic.twitter.com/f5EKaNvsWg— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 19, 2018
Everyone who saw Fergie sing the National Anthem please look directly into your phone.
You're welcome pic.twitter.com/WljjSDVezZ— girl posts (@girlposts) February 19, 2018
#Fergie didn't sing the National Anthem that America needed, she sang the anthem that America deserved. 😂
— Odd Outlaw⚪ (@oddoutlaw) February 19, 2018
What did you make of Fergie’s performance? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter!