‘I need a cigarette after that’: Fergie’s NBA All-Star Game national anthem confuses and amuses
Black Eyed Peas singer says she took a risk and tried her best with slow, bluesy rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner at annual basketball showcase
US pop star Fergie is apologising after trying something different with the national anthem at the NBA All-Star Game.
Her slow, bluesy rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner on Sunday night wasn’t particularly well received at Staples Centre or on social media before the 67th edition of the NBA’s annual showcase.
A low chuckle rumbled through the sold-out arena after she finished the first line of the song with a throaty growl on “the dawn’s early light.”
Fans throughout the star-studded crowd reacted with varying levels of bemusement and enthusiasm while her languid, 2 ½-minute version of the song continued. Although Fergie was on pitch, her tempo, musical accompaniment and sexy delivery were not exactly typical for a sporting event or a patriotic song.
“I’ve always been honoured and proud to perform the national anthem and last night I wanted to try something special for the NBA,” the Grammy-winning singer said in a statement.