Fergie says national anthem performance at NBA All-Star game didn't strike intended tone
Fergie's bluesy rendition did not sit well with the viewers.
Eight-time Grammy Award winner Fergie has addressed the backlash she received for her national anthem performance at the NBA All-Star Game Sunday.
The singer, on Monday, said she tried her best but 'clearly this rendition didn't strike the intended tone.'
"I've always been honoured and proud to perform the national anthem, and last night I wanted to try something special for the NBA," she told E! Online.
She continued, "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 42-year-old, who was tasked to sing the 'Star-Spangled Banner', reworked the tune to more of a jazzy beat, which resulted in tons of backlash from viewers and Twitter users alike.
The Bluesy rendition had NBA players like Dreymond Green was watching the performance with open mouth and he chuckled when he was shown on scoreboard and television broadcast.
The moment is now one of the most viral gifs of the day.
Fergie took her sweet time to finish the anthem and then shouted, "Let's play some basketball!"
Basketball commentator Charles Barkley joked during halftime show that he 'needed a cigarette' after watching Fergie's performance.
Negative reactions poured in after the game began.
But Fergie also found supporters in former Lakers star Shaquille O'Neal who according to Associated Press, said, "Fergie, I love you. It was different. It was sexy. I liked it. Leave her alone."