NBA 2018 All-Star Weekend just wrapped up with Team Lebron edging out Team Stephen 148-145. However, we are not here to discuss what transpired during the basketball game.
Before the game started, Fergie, who’s popularly a part of musical group Black Eyed Peas, sang the United States national anthem.
Supposedly a champion of democracy, the celebrity was free to put her spin on the “Star-Spangled Banner.” While she closed her eyes, sang the notes and swayed gently to the Blues-inspired rendition, not everyone was feeling this particular version. People took to social media criticizing the singer’s sexy take on the anthem.
Basketball star and sports broadcaster Charles Barkley joked that he “needed a cigarette” after Fergie’s bit. Co-broadcaster and former Los Angeles Lakers’ star Shaquille O’Neal defended the singer.
“Fergie, I love you. It was different. It was sexy. I liked it. Leave her alone.”
Awkward, yes. But horrendous? I didn’t think it was that bad.
These are some performances in the past that I think were far more embarrassing than the one the sports world witnessed yesterday.
Victoria Zarlenga. The singer sang the anthem during a 2012 soccer match featuring the United States vs. Scotland and her pitch was all over the place.
Mike Eli. The country singer forgot two lines, and started the anthem all over again.
Alexis Normand. Before a hockey game, the jazz singer froze, forgot the lyrics, and mumbled her way ‘til the end.
Roseanne Barr. A comedian butchered the anthem during a baseball game. The stadium was filled with boos. This was sabotage.
Caroline Marcil. What is it with hockey games? In 2004, the singer forgot the lyrics twice and actually apologized to the audience and quit on stage. She tried to go back on the ice with written lyrics before slipping and falling on her back. She didn’t return.
Fergie will be all right.