Singer Loomis apologizes and asks for forgiveness after national anthem mishap: “Lesson learned”

Sign up now for Roisin O'Connor's free weekly newsletter to get the inside scoop on all things music

Get our Hear This Now email for free

Get our Hear This Now email for free

Singer Loomis has apologized after her botched performance of the national anthem during a live C-SPAN broadcast went viral.

On Wednesday, Loomis opened a Free & Equal Elections Foundation debate with third-party candidates with a display of the Star-Spangled Banner.

In the middle of her performance – which was also broadcast on radio and online – her voice audibly cracked as she hit the song's classic high notes.

“I messed up, I messed up. Can I please go back?” She begged before a voice could be heard offscreen telling her that it was a live broadcast.

She quickly started the song again and finished her performance to applause from the hosts, contestants and audience as she left the stage.

The clip of her performance has since made the rounds on social media, with several viewers comparing her performance to former Black Eyed Peas star Fergie's dramatic rendition of the national anthem at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game.

Loomis took the online mockery in stride as she addressed “all the madness” in a video posted to Instagram on Saturday.

Open image in gallery

“Firstly I would like to apologize to the Free and Equal political team for this mishap, from the bottom of my heart. And I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to mess up the national anthem, and I wanted to thank you for giving me a chance and believing in me,” she said.

She went on to say that she has long had concerns about singing the national anthem.

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4-month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign in

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4-month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign in

“I was always afraid I would fail, and then I did it and the world saw it,” she added. “I just wanted everyone out there to know that you can turn anything negative into something positive.”

In the post's caption, she further explained, “I was a little late and didn't have a clear lead, which made me nervous when we went live! I know it wasn't my best and I'm really sorry if it didn't hit the mark. For my part, I take full responsibility and ask you not to use this incident to reflect on the artist that I am and try to be.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity and all the love and support I have received. I consider this a lesson learned and can’t wait to come back even stronger!”

Earlier this year, country singer Ingrid Andress was criticized for her rocking performance of the anthem at the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby.

Andress later revealed that she had been drunk during the event and later sought treatment.

“I'm not kidding you, I was drunk last night,” she said at the time. “I'm checking into a facility today to get the help I need. That wasn't me last night. I apologize to MLB, all fans and this country I love so much for this interpretation. I'll let you all know how the rehab is. I heard it’s a lot of fun.”