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Singer Loomis has issued an apology after her botched performance of the national anthem during a C-SPAN live broadcast went viral.
On Wednesday, Loomis opened a Free and Equal Elections Foundation debate, featuring third-party candidates, with a performance of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Midway through her performance — which was also broadcast on radio and online — her voice cracked audibly as she played the song’s classic high notes.
“I messed it up, I messed it up. Can I come back please?” she pleaded before an off-camera voice could be heard telling her it was a live broadcast.
She quickly jumped back into the song, finishing her performance to applause from the moderators, nominees and audience as she exited the stage.
A clip of her performance has since gone viral on social media with many viewers likening her mistake to former Black Eyed Peas star Fergie’s dramatic rendition of the national anthem at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game.
Loomis took the online ridicule in stride when she addressed “all the craziness” that followed in a video posted to Instagram on Saturday.
“First of all, I would like to apologize to the Freedom and Equality Political Team for this unfortunate incident, and from the bottom of my heart I wanted to apologize. I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to mess up the national anthem, and I wanted to thank you guys for giving me the opportunity and believing in me,” she said.
She went on to say that performing the national anthem was something she had long had concerns about singing.
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“I was always afraid of failing, and then I did it and the world saw it,” she added. “So I just wanted anyone who watched it to be able to change anything negative into something positive.”
In the caption of the post, she also explained: “I was a little late there and didn’t have a clear signal, which left me confused when we went live! I know it wasn’t my best, and I’m really sorry if I didn’t hit the mark. I take full responsibility from My part and I ask you not to use this incident to think about the artist I am and try to be.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity and for all the love and support I have received. I consider this a lesson learned, and I can’t wait to come back stronger!
Earlier this year, country singer Ingrid Andress came under fire for her rockin’ rendition of the national anthem at the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby.
Andress later revealed that she was drunk during the event and later sought treatment.
“I’m not going to have sex with bulls, I was drunk last night,” she said at the time. “I’m going into a facility today to get the help I need. That wasn’t me last night. I apologize to MLB, all the fans, and this country that I love so much for that performance. I’ll let you all know what the rehab is like. I hear it’s a lot of fun.”
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