SPEEDWAY, INDIANA: Pop and country star Jewel's performance of the national anthem at the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 28, did not go over well with fans. Alex Palou was on the pole for the match. Drivers like Pato O'Ward and Felix Rosenqvist battled to bring home the win.
Earlier this month, Jewel was named the anthem singer. “The singing of the national anthem before the Indy 500 green flag is a signature and iconic moment at the Racing Capital of the World,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway president J Douglas Boles said in a news release on May 19," New York Post reports.
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“For over a century, we’ve gathered at IMS to salute our nation’s military heroes, and the national anthem performance is a tradition that reminds us all of their sacrifice and bravery. Jewel’s rendition will be a memorable and moving experience for fans at the track and watching from home on NBC," Boles added. Indianapolis Motor Speedway posted a video of the performance, captioning it, "An unforgettable National Anthem. Thank you, Jewel."
'The worse National Anthem I've ever heard someone sing'
Fans disagreed in the comment section, with one user saying, "Are you kidding, that was painful to listen to. It's Memorial Day weekend when we honor those who gave everything for our country. I usually like Jewel, but the least she could do is sing the song the way it's supposed to be done, don't "make it into your own". Rarely do you see that happen in other countries when their anthem is performed? Disappointing". "I like Jewel, but was very disappointed with her changing the National Anthem the way she did," another user said. "It's unforgettable for sure!! Unforgettable for being the worse National Anthem I've ever heard someone sing!!" one user said, while another wrote, "Terrible! This is the Indy 500 not a country western concert!! Sorry I love Jewel, but not impressed!!!!"
'It should be performed with RESPECT'
"The American National Anthem should be about THE SONG and its meaning NOT the singer. When musicians try to "fancy it up" it ruins it. Granted this is but one lifelong Hoosier's/American's opinion," one user said, while another wrote, "Sing it the way it’s written!! If you can’t do that, don’t sing it!!!! Go for your own style on any other song. BUT the National Anthem is sacred! Don’t mess with it!!" "I normally like Jewel. But, I was highly disappointed by her rendition of our anthem. This is an important song and an important part of the race festivities. Come on, IMS…you can do SO much better!" one user wrote. Another said, "Whoever decides who will perform the National Anthem should be replaced. This "performance" by Jewel, like too many other major events, was a disgrace. It is our NATIONAL ANTHEM!!! It should be performed with RESPECT, not "jazzed up" or butchered. Personally, I would prefer seeing it performed by the Purdue Marching Band. They are there every year, anyway. (I was in the Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band for 2 years)."
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