If there is a single person on the planet who actually thought Fergie did a good job of singing 'The Star Spangled Banner' before an NBA All-Stars game on Sunday, they certainly didn't make themselves known on social media.
The Black Eyed Peas singer was roundly criticised for her breathy, tuneless take on the US national anthem - but now she has issued a statement responding to the kerfuffle.
"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. "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."
The reaction to her 'apology' on social media was mixed...
@Fergie you don't have to apologize girl! Just laugh at yourself with everyone else. Hell most of us couldn't even sing the anthem at a high school game #atleastyoutried #NBAAllStar #maybetrytraditionalnexttime https://t.co/RcMPP5a7zB
— Marcia Jones (@MrsTaeJones) February 19, 2018
Apology not accepted Fergie. My ears still hurt.
— Uncle Drew (@ChurchFFdynasty) February 20, 2018
I appreciate @Fergie's apology even though it wasn't necessary. She tried something different and it didn't work out so she owned it. She didn't blame someone else or trash the whole country or whine and complain. Refreshing!
— Charm City Charles (@5GearsInReverse) February 20, 2018
Fergie, on her apology for the National Anthem "I love this country and honestly I tried my best." LEAVE THIS WOMAN ALONE, CAN YOU SING ON NATIONAL TV GUYS?! DIDNT THINK SO.
— InDisorderlyFashion (@DisorderlyF) February 20, 2018
Y’all bullied Fergie into an apologyðŸ'€
— kee. (@lakedia_) February 20, 2018
what is life when an artist feels they need to apologize to the masses for a performance that wasn't well received- and where are we that we feel expectant and entitled to that apology @Fergie
— Sherri Saum (@SherriSaum1) February 19, 2018
Good for @Fergie on her statement. She tried. She took a swing & missed. Big deal. Better to try & miss than to mail it in w/another rendition we'll forget
— Mac Engel (@MacEngelProf) February 19, 2018
