Fergie apologizes for bluesy anthem
LOS ANGELES — Fergie apologized Monday after trying something different with the national anthem at the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday night.
“I’ve always been honored and proud to perform the national anthem, and last night I wanted to try something special for the NBA,” the Grammywinning singer 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.”
Fergie’s slow, bluesy rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” wasn’t particularly well received at the Staples Center or on social media. A low chuckle rumbled through the sold-out arena after she finished the first line of the song with a throaty growl on “the dawn’s early light.”
Fans throughout the starstudded crowd reacted with varying levels of bemusement and enthusiasm while her languid, 2-minute version of the song continued. Although Fergie was on pitch, her tempo, musical accompaniment and sexy delivery were not exactly typical for a sporting event or a patriotic song.
Golden State All-Star Draymond Green captured Sunday’s mood — and became an instant GIF — when he was shown open-mouthed on the scoreboard and the television broadcast in apparent confusion over the unique vocal stylings. Green then chuckled to himself after realizing he was on TV.
After a forceful finish, Fergie finally got big cheers when she shouted, “Let’s play some basketball!”
The Black Eyed Peas singer, born Stacy Ann Ferguson, is from nearby Hacienda Heights, California.
Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley joked during the TNT halftime show that he had “needed a cigarette” after Fergie’s performance.
Former Lakers star Shaquille O’Neal leapt to Fergie’s defense, saying: “Fergie, I love you. It was different. It was sexy. I liked it. Leave her alone.”