Fergie’s National Anthem Performance is a Head-Scratcher [Video]

I'm all in favor of someone's right to artistic interpretation, but that doesn't mean I have to like it or agree with it. I'm speaking directly to Fergie. I don't get it!

Why, in the name of any and all things holy, would Fergie decide to do the national anthem the way she did it at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game? At what point, after being asked to perform, do you think to yourself that doing a sultry, sexy, jazzy, Fosse-esque version of the anthem is a good idea? I think she needed Will.i.am and the rest of the Black-Eyed Peas there to tell her NO, NO, NO!!!

Is it so hard to sing the song as it is written? I think the answer is yes. It is not an easy song to sing, so I think folks mess with it to make it a bit easier. What I don't understand is when clearly talented singers (NOT Fergie) feel like they have to fill up their performances with runs and riffs. I swear everything I make this argument I feel older and older. Next thing you know I'll be yelling at the neighbor's kids to get off my lawn!

So for the sake of comparison, I'll share with you an amazing, traditional rendition from Carrie Underwood...followed by the monstrosity of a performance from Fergie.