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Sunday night, Fergie delivered a rendition of the national anthem that was no less disrespectful to America than if she had snapped a bald eagle’s neck at half court and took a bite out of its heart. Fergie’s jazz-infused version of America’s song was so cringeworthy that Draymond Green and other NBA stars began laughing.
The backlash was bad enough that Fergie released a statement apologizing:
“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.”
No, Fergie. Don’t apologize. I haven’t heard anything so memorable since Brennan Huff ripped a touching rendition of Por Ti Volare at the Catalina Wine Mixer. We are all better for having heard it.
Plus, it’s okay to have a bad day at work. Maybe her earpiece went out so she couldn’t pick up on her own tempo. Maybe her larynx was overworked from touring. Point is, the NBA couldn’t have had any indication that their art it choice would blow up in their face like it did.
Oh wait.
This just in.
Fergie sang the National Anthem before a Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots game in December of 2011. The results are predictable.
Here are some of the YouTube comments from back then:
Fergie, shake it off. You’re more than welcome to redeem yourself at my men’s league basketball game this Wednesday at 7:30 pm. It’s the playoffs sooooo…kinda a big deal.
[h/t Total Pro Sports]