Fergie took a stab at the national anthem during the NBA All-Star Game at the Staples Center on Sunday night, and it didn’t go so well.
Her attempt to add a jazz twist to the “Star-Spangled Banner” ― already a notoriously difficult song to sing ― prompted some pretty strong feelings.
During the game’s halftime report, Shaquille O’Neal defended it.
“Fergie, I love you, it was different, it was sexy,” he said.
“Damn right it was different,” Charles Barkley said. “I needed a cigarette after that.”
“Leave it alone,” Shaq replied.
Response on Twitter was less flattering:
Draymond is all of us 😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/ClWCmY4tfh
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) February 19, 2018
#Fergie didn't sing the National Anthem that America needed, she sang the anthem that America deserved. 😂
— Odd Outlaw⚪ (@oddoutlaw) February 19, 2018
Literally dying at these reactions. Fergie with the worst rendition ever. Embiid 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/ociAsWf0LC
— Isaac Harris (@IsaacLHarris) February 19, 2018
I’ve seen the national anthem performed hundreds of times but never in the key of “Happy Birthday Mr. President” congrats @Fergie 🇺🇸💥🇺🇸💥
— Molly Knight (@molly_knight) February 19, 2018
Meanwhile back in the states... I leave for a couple of days and y’all lose your muthafucking mind!! Why did this happen? Not everyone supposed to do this y’all! You might as well should have ask me to sing. Wtf?!https://t.co/M7eIzgGBrk
— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) February 19, 2018
Who saw Fergie's national anthem performance at the NBA All Star Game? I think mine was better lowkey
— Roseanne Barr (@therealroseanne) February 19, 2018
*Checks to see why #Fergie is trending* pic.twitter.com/aUZGIbFCSX
— David Taylor (@DT2ComicsChat) February 19, 2018
Fergie’s rendition of the National Anthem was originally written by Francis Scott Out of Key.
— bob saget (@bobsaget) February 19, 2018
Draymond Green’s Reaction to Fergie’s Terrible National Anthem Rendition Was Priceless (Video) https://t.co/3PYcTJJr4X pic.twitter.com/q2JGla0iak
— Robert Littal (@BSO) February 19, 2018
Not sure what Fergie was going for on that national anthem performance but if it was “my friends drunk mom acting sexy” she nailed it.
— Johnny Taylor, Jr. (@hipsterocracy) February 19, 2018
Fergie's anthem performance was a rich, emotional tapestry. pic.twitter.com/dE1ReUFcTu
— Maggie Serota (@maggieserota) February 19, 2018
it has been HOURS since Fergie sang the national anthem at the NBA all star game and the president has STILL refused to acknowledge and respond as the leader we need as a nation in this time of strife
— erin ryan (@morninggloria) February 19, 2018
fergie is the friend who always suggests karaoke pic.twitter.com/EJqfJkRtSU
— Alexis Novak (@AlexisGirlNovak) February 19, 2018
This All Star opening is confusing me. WTF is going on? Anyone?
— Khloé (@khloekardashian) February 19, 2018
Fergie singing the #NationalAnthem pic.twitter.com/7XWToW3oQX
— BuckInTennessee (@BuckInTennessee) February 19, 2018
National anthem or happy birthday Mr. President ?? #fergie
— Nick Zungolo (@NickZungolo) February 19, 2018
Everyone who saw #Fergie sing the National Anthem please look directly into your phone.
— Bobby (@Bison_4life) February 19, 2018
You're welcome pic.twitter.com/zEYqjoqJmQ
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