Singer Apologizes After Swearing Live During National Anthem Performance

In a recent incident that has captured widespread attention, singer Loomis has issued an apology following a live TV performance of the US national anthem that did not go as planned. This unexpected moment unfolded during an independent candidate debate aired on C-SPAN, with the performance quickly drawing mockery on social media.

In an Instagram video shared on Saturday, Loomis referred to the incident as a “mishap” and expressed her regrets to the Free and Equal Elections team, who organized the debate. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to mess up the national anthem,” she stated, illustrating the pressure she felt during the performance. “This has been something I’ve been scared of since I was a little girl… I was scared I was gonna fail, and then I did, and the world saw it,” she added.

Footage from the event reveals her becoming visibly flustered on stage as she appeared to miss a note. After singing the line “and the rocket’s red glare,” visuals show her swearing and exclaiming, “Can I go back, can I go back please?” It was at that crucial moment that Loomis realized the performance was being broadcast live. “I got too nervous,” she confessed later during the performance.

This incident has sparked comparisons to other notable missteps in national anthem renditions. Some observers likened Loomis’ performance to Fergie’s infamous rendition at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game, where Fergie admitted her attempt to create something special “didn’t strike the intended tone.” One TikTok user remarked, “Fergie has officially earned her retirement,” in the comments section of Loomis’ performance.

Similarly, country singer Ingrid Andress faced online ridicule for her rendition at the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby, later revealing that she had been intoxicated during her performance. The comparison of these performances underscores the pressure artists face while performing the national anthem live, and the accompanying scrutiny from audiences.