Fergie apologises for 'terrible' national anthem performance
"I honestly tried my best," says Fergie following her widely panned performance of the US anthem.
Fergie has spoken out for the first time since her eyebrow-raising national anthem performance at the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday night.
The singer's jazz version of the 'Star-Spangled Banner' was heavily criticised, with some labeling it the "worst national anthem" ever.
But Fergie says she just wanted to try something different.
"I’ve always been honored and proud to perform the national anthem and... 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 told TMZ in a statement.
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A video of the former Black Eyed Peas member singing her slowed-down rendition of the anthem went viral all over the world.
It didn't help that some of the basketball players, and famous court-side attendees, were seen trying to stifle giggles during her performance.
Social media users had a lot to say about Fergie's "terrible" anthem.
Khloe Kardashian tweeted: "This All Star opening is confusing me. WTF is going on? Anyone?”
This tweet sums up how many people felt about Fergie's performance:
In situations like this, I’m Chris Rock. Unless I’m...you know...in which case I’m laughing like Chance but thinking no one sees it: pic.twitter.com/wtQMUi3Cvb
— Jamilah Lemieux (@JamilahLemieux) February 19, 2018
In case you missed it, here's the full version of Fergie's performance: