Performing the national anthem on any major stage is always risky because people often criticize the artists, and that was the case for singer-songwriter Jewel. Fans took to social media to discuss the recent performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Indianapolis 500. A clip has been circulating around of The Masked Singer winner’s performance was posted on the NBC IndyCar Series Twitter account, revealing her unique take on the patriotic song.
The multi-platinum singer wore an all-white outfit and styled with a cowboy hat, and she played the melody on her guitar, switching up the pacing of the arrangement and adding her own flair. Her version of the anthem didn’t impress many fans and internet users.
Jewel sings amazing US National Anthem for Indy 500
One person on Twitter wrote, "This is the perfect example of how not to do the national anthem. It was to the point of being disrespectful." Another person said, "Jewel butchered the national anthem at the Indy 500. People were trying to sing along but couldn't because of the way she sang it. What a shame." Lastly, another comment said, "It takes narcissism to change the national anthem. I am not offended or outraged or anything like that but just sing the song the way it was written and the way we all know it and quit trying to "improve" it."
