If you’re a big fan of basketball, you’ve definitely would have seen the latest NBA All-Star Game. You certainly wouldn’t overlook the singing of the national anthem done by the former Black Eyed Peas singer, Fergie who did a slow, bluesy rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” that wasn’t well received at Staples Center or on social media before the 67th edition of the NBA’s annual showcase.
Today, Fergie is apologizing in a statement she said “I’ve always been honoured and proud to perform the national anthem and last night I wanted to try something special for the NBA,” the Grammy-winning singer said in a statement Monday. “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.”
Of course, an instant GIF was made capturing the Golden State All-Star Draymond Green who was seen open-mouthed on the scoreboard and appeared confused. Green then chuckled to himself after realizing he was on TV. Famed basketball commentator Charles Barkley joked that he “needed a cigarette” after Fergie’s performance.
After the anthem was done, Fergie finally got big cheers when she shouted, “Let’s play some basketball!”
Social media weren’t as kind, with criticism of the performances too.
🤭👀💀 Fergie I know you just Didn’t sing the #NationalAnthem like that⁉️ That’s how you sing a song in the Shower but not on National TV pic.twitter.com/O9pCtMvkEl
— Terrence K. Williams (@w_terrence) February 20, 2018
The difference between me and fergie.. I actually sound good doing it
— Daniel Mcloyd (@IceJJFish) February 20, 2018
It seems like fergie wasn’t so fergalicious at the all star game
— zel (@denzeldion) February 20, 2018
However, there are also a number of Fergie fans that stepped up and defended her on social media.
Hey everyone slamming Fergie… she took a risk. Sorry it didn’t live up to your idea of what the star spangled banner should sound like. If you took more risks like her maybe you wouldn’t be stuck in a cubicle behind a desk every day living life thru Twitter.
— Chris D’Elia (@chrisdelia) February 20, 2018
Shoutout to @Fergie . It takes so much courage to get in front of millions of ppl and shine your light. These “critics” would fold like origami in front of a fraction of that crowd… salute
— Q.M. (@Quentin__Miller) February 20, 2018
What Fergie must be feeling now tho…
All I know is, she did her best and she’s still the Fergalicious singer that we all grow to love!