Fergie is responding after hitting a sour note with her performance of the national anthem during Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles.
"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 in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "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."
She performed the sultry, jazzy rendition of the song — to mixed reviews.
Jimmy Kimmel, who was in the crowd, appeared amused as did Chance the Rapper, who covered his mouth as he laughed. Comedian Chris Rock looked stunned.
NBA All-Star captains LeBron James and Steph Curry seemed to giggle while Draymond Green looked shocked before eventually laughing.
Social media had something to say, too.
Even Roseanne Barr, who famously destroyed the national anthem in 1990 when she grabbed her crotch during her performance, denounced Fergie’s rendition.
“Who saw Fergie’s national anthem performance at the NBA All Star Game? I think mine was better lowkey,” Barr wrote on Twitter.
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