Performing the national anthem in the US is a pretty big deal, so it's understandable that an artist tasked with the challenge may be struck down with nerves.
But even that doesn't quite explain the mess that was Fergie's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the NBA All-Star Game over the weekend.
Appearing to put a kind of jazz spin on it, she sang breathily into the mic and hit more than a few bum notes as she belted it out towards the end.
Her spin on the song didn't seem to appeal to viewers, and even got a few giggles from the likes of Chance the Rapper, late night host Jimmy Kimmel, and some of the players themselves.
Viewers tweeted their distaste for the performance and went so far as to brand it the "worst rendition ever" - although some remembered Roseanne Barr's intentionally awful performance at the 1990 San Diego Padres baseball game.
Barr herself chipped in and tweeted: "Who saw Fergie's national anthem performance at the NBA All Star Game? I think mine was better lowkey?"
