Musician Jewel’s rendition of the national anthem at the Indianapolis 500 may have been met with some indifference by spectators.
The 49-year-old folk artist, who was reared in Alaska, decided to perform a more nuanced version of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ than a literal one.
Performing on a platform as grand as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” the four-time Grammy nominee delivered a stirring rendition of the almost 200-year-old tune.
It was very reminiscent of her rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the 2023 NBA All-Star Game in her home state of Utah.
Some on social media complained that this version of the song was sung poorly, despite the fact that it didn’t stray too far from the original notes.
The singer looked stunning in an all-white ensemble, including a white bodysuit and a white button-up jacket.
She wore a beige cowboy hat to complement the ensemble.
Jewel’s strawberry blonde hair was styled into soft curls that fell to her shoulders.
She took out a dark green guitar and played a new, slower, and more emotional arrangement of the song.
Many people took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the sung rendition of the song, and their comments were quite divided.
However, many people were dissatisfied with the song’s tone on Twitter.
One Twitter user said of her performance, “She did a great job butchering the National Anthem and even kept her hat on—wow.”
Someone else questioned why someone would change the National Anthem after being granted the opportunity to perform it at the most prestigious event in all of racing. As much as I appreciate originality and “personal touches,” that was excessive!
Another user commented, “This is the ultimate example of how not to do the national anthem.” It was so rude that it crossed the line into insulting.”
There were, however, many advocates of the show who defended it on various grounds.
A commenter who felt the performance was inappropriate remarked, “I’m a traditionalist who believes that our national anthem should always be sung in its [sic] original form.” However, @jeweljk’s performance stood out as fresh and pleasant-sounding.
Another person commented, “Hmm, I was prepared to detest hearing the hubbub. It was a lovely arrangement, and it was perfect for her. I’ve never been a fan of her music or her singing style.
Another Twitter user agreed that it was an appropriate Memorial Day version, stating, “Wow, people online really can find anything to be offended about.” That was a beautiful performance, and I hope you all have a restful and reflective Memorial Day weekend as we reflect on the many lives lost in defense of the freedoms we enjoy.