Fergie spoke out late Monday about the criticism of her rendition of the U.S. national anthem at Sunday night’s NBA All-Star Game.
“I've always been honored and proud to perform the national anthem and last night I wanted to try something special for the NBA,” the singer said, in a statement. “I’m a risk taker artistically, but clearly this rendition didn't strike the intended tone.
“I love this country and honestly tried my best.”
Fergie’s slow, sultry version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was widely slammed on social media.
MORE: Fergie Slammed For Sultry U.S. National Anthem
But, not everyone thought she needed to address the haters.
Sherri Saum, star of The Fosters, responded on Twitter to Fergie’s statement. “What is life when an artist feels they need to apologize to the masses for a performance that wasn't well received - and where are we that we feel expectant and entitled to that apology.”