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Singer Loomis has apologized after his failure to sing the national anthem during a live broadcast on C-SPAN went viral.
On Wednesday, Loomis performed a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner at the beginning of a debate featuring third-party candidates hosted by the Foundation for Free and Equal Elections.
Midway through her performance (which was also broadcast on radio and online), her voice could be heard cracking as she hit the song’s classic high notes.
“It’s a mess, it’s a mess. Can I come back?” she begged before a voice from off-camera announced it was live.
She quickly returned to the song and left the stage after completing her performance to applause from the host, nominees, and audience.
A clip of her performance has since gone viral on social media, with some viewers blaming her gaffe for former Black Eyed Peas star Fergie’s dramatic rendition of the national anthem at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game. I likened it.
Loomis addressed the online ridicule in a video posted to Instagram on Saturday, addressing “all the craziness” that followed.
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“First of all, I would like to apologize to my free and equal political team for this incident. I want to apologize from the bottom of my heart. And I am truly sorry, but I did not mean to spoil the national anthem. I wanted to thank everyone who gave me a chance and believed in me,” she said.
She went on to say that singing the national anthem was something she had long been concerned about.
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“I was always afraid that I would fail, and I did, and the world saw it,” she added. “So I just wanted people who knew that they could turn a negative into a positive.”
In the caption of the post, she further explained: I know it wasn’t my best, but I’m really sorry if I didn’t hit the mark. I take full responsibility on my part to not use this incident to reflect on who I am and am trying to be as an artist.
“I’m so grateful for this opportunity and all the love and support I’ve received. I’m taking this as a lesson and can’t wait to come back even stronger!”
Earlier this year, country singer Ingrid Andress came under fire for her racy performance of the national anthem during the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby.
Andres revealed that he was intoxicated during the event and later received medical treatment.
“I’m not going to rant to you guys, I was drunk last night,” she said at the time. “I’m in a facility today to get the help I need. That wasn’t me last night. I apologize to MLB, all of our fans, and this country that I love so much for putting on that show. I’ll tell you about the rehabilitation process. I hear it’s a lot of fun.
