Chaka Khan’s national anthem at NBA game roasted by viewers: ‘She’s giving me Fergie vibes’
‘She is a living legend, but I DID NOT like that rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ AT ALL,’ says one Twitter user
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Chaka Khan’s rendition of the US national anthem on Sunday night left many viewers baffled.
The ten-time Grammy winner performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” ahead of an NBA all-star game in Chicago, her native city.
Her version of the anthem didn’t seem to resonate with a large part of those watching from home, who shared their reactions on social media.
Some even compared the moment to Fergie’s 2018 performance, which was widely criticised – and led to an admission from the singer that it “didn’t strike the intended tone”.
“I adore Chaka Khan. She is a living legend, but I DID NOT like that rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner AT ALL. Lord help her,” one viewer wrote of Khan’s rendition.
One person suggested Fergie was owed a public apology from the public after Khan’s performance, while others shared mash-ups of both renditions side by side.
Some, on the contrary, defended Khan’s version of the anthem. “66-year-old Chaka Khan singing the national anthem with a twang and soul and with a Chicago No 23 sweatshirt hanging off her shoulder... Y’all weren’t ready,” Candace Buckner, a sports writer for The Washington Post, tweeted.
Khan hasn’t addressed the backlash to her performance publicly.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments