Fergie's version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" was notable for its jumping to several different keys, odd riffs and pitch choices, rhythms that made no sense—you name it, and it was there.
Refresh your memory here.
In case you missed Fergie’s national anthem performance last night, here’s the sheet music. https://t.co/Gu59Vflg7l— Kalida Choirs (@Kalida Choirs) 1519077338.0
To be fair, Francis Scott Key borrowed the music for his lyrics from an 18th century drinking song that touted imbibing heavily and engaging in lots of sex so...
...it's an interesting tune.
Two years later, at the same game, singer Chaka Khan said:
"Fergie, hold my beer!"
Once again, the key seemed to change every measure.
Riffs were thrown in where riffs never were before. As one Twitter user stated, the "I'm Every Woman" singer seemed to have every single woman at once vying for a spot in her National Anthem.
Others are wondering whether or not Fergie and Chaka Khan conspired before the airing, giving each other tips on how to sing the music.
Welcome to the worst thing you'll hear in your entire life... Fergie vs. Chaka Khan: A National Anthem Mashup… https://t.co/WtfYhj6ZRT— Josh Beard (@Josh Beard) 1581907707.0
Fergie and Chaka Khan fighting over who had the worst national anthem of all time #NBAAllStar2020 https://t.co/huaV9y2Kd4— Jaden 🗣💯 (@Jaden 🗣💯) 1581904161.0
Fergie after watching Chaka Khan sing the national anthem: #NBAAllStar2020 https://t.co/7IFRdv1G6w— Dave Barabas (@Dave Barabas) 1581903613.0
The guy who chose Fergie and Chaka Khan to sing the national anthem at the NBA all star game right now..... https://t.co/II2R7KTEgt— Vinnie T (@Vinnie T) 1581905032.0
Everyone: Ok there’s no way anyone could ever sing a worse National Anthem than Fergie. Chaka Kahn:… https://t.co/uo1UsnypyW— Anti-Poop Activist (@Anti-Poop Activist) 1581904765.0
Others really just can't believe this happened twice at the same event.
Fergie and Chaka Khan fighting over who had the worst National Anthem performance of all time. https://t.co/wQv2oDjLtQ— BROM (@BROM) 1581903546.0
Why Chaka Khan just reminded me of this 😂😂 #AllStarWeekend #AllStarNBA https://t.co/AlNgd33f4n— breezy96 (@breezy96) 1581903585.0
Me listening to Chaka Khan sing that anthem 😭 #NBAAllStar2020 https://t.co/T6of41iPTj— Devin Booker Stan Account 🥵 (@Devin Booker Stan Account 🥵) 1581903406.0
Fergie and Chaka Khan’s national anthems: https://t.co/zs7YqMrUmV— 𝓝𝓲𝓷𝓳𝓪¹🐝 (@𝓝𝓲𝓷𝓳𝓪¹🐝) 1581903536.0
Listening to Chaka Khan’s opening note and immediately jumping on twitter for the comments.#chakakahn… https://t.co/DsET2p3MDQ— Marshall D. Walls II (@Marshall D. Walls II) 1581903466.0
And honestly, who was watching the game after this instead of howling on Twitter about that moment?
Chaka Khan when she was singing the national anthem https://t.co/zGZU7eK3cE— Ant (@Ant) 1581903752.0
I just came here for the Chaka Khan comments. #NBAAllStar2020 https://t.co/ecBfF9Itwx— André L. Hopson (@André L. Hopson) 1581903345.0
Chaka Khan a legend and all but.... that rendition of the anthem was something #NBAAllStar2020 https://t.co/zMIZYmPeQt— SHYHEIM (@SHYHEIM) 1581903569.0
Somebody said this was Chaka Khan singing the national anthem last night.....😂😂 https://t.co/XLpEVeQ5hs— LEEK👨🏽🔬 (@LEEK👨🏽🔬) 1581965213.0
Chaka Khan said the land of the https://t.co/rkOFhLKATL— ahhhhhh (dats me yellin) (@ahhhhhh (dats me yellin)) 1581903468.0
Magic Johnson actually praised the new rendition:
Cookie and I are enjoying an incredible start to the NBA All Star Game 2020! Great seeing all of the NBA players, C… https://t.co/AcOB3jXGl6— Earvin Magic Johnson (@Earvin Magic Johnson) 1581904973.0
But most were of the opposite point of view.
Safe to say whoever is in charge of booking the National Anthem singers for the NBA All-Stars games may not have a job come 2021.
The Star-Spangled Banner can evoke powerful emotions when performed well and with lots of passion. "Harmonica Pete" gave us exactly that.