Fergie’s viral rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” may have finally been overshadowed.
Indie singer Loomis has been taking over social media after botching the national anthem during a live telecast of the Free & Equal Elections Foundation presidential debate featuring third-party candidates Chase Oliver, Jill Stein and Randall Terry.
There’s a new contender for “Worst Rendition of the National Anthem Ever.” Don’t think I’ve heard someone say “I f**ck*d it up” twice during the anthem, but I could be wrong.
Loomis at the Free & Equal 2024 Presidential Debate. Thank you @CSPAN. #freeandequal pic.twitter.com/JY3lnWPxxf
— Paul Klein 🏎️🇺🇸🇳🇴🏎️ (@SgtWRC) October 25, 2024
Her abysmal performance at Wednesday’s political event left a lot to be desired — even for her.
Before the technically challenged performance came to an end, the relatively unknown singer recognized her vocal ineptitude, saying into the microphone: “I f—ed it up. I f—ed it up. Can I go back, can I go back, please?”
But there are no do-overs for live performers, as a voice said from off-screen.
Loomis then attempted to finish the song with “the bombs bursting in air,” before interjecting that she “got too nervous.”
After finally getting through the iconic tune, Loomis awkwardly walked off-camera, then briefly stopped and second-guessed herself before continuing in the same direction.
“Thank you Loomis, that was beautiful,” moderator Christina Tobin said following the performance. “Appreciate you coming here tonight.”
In the days since, Loomis, who has just 78 monthly followers on Spotify, has become the subject of social media scuttlebutt, drawing comparisons to the former Black Eyed Peas frontwoman transforming “The Star-Spangled Banner” into a theatrical spectacle at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game.