After facing a barrage of criticism for her rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" at last night's NBA All-Star Game, Fergie issued a formal apology.
She need not have.
Having listened to it twice, I just don't see the problem.
Yes, it was different. But this wasn't Roseanne circa 1990.
In fact, I would say it was closer to the spirit of Marvin Gaye who rendered a souful version of the Star Spangled Banner at the NBA All-Star Game 35 years ago. It proved to be his swan song as he would be shot to death by his own father a year later.
Then there was Smokey Robinson's version which incorporated a touch of "America The Beautiful" prior to Game 5 of the 1986 World Series at Fenway Park in Boston.
With the visceral reaction Fergie is facing, I cannot help but think we've not learned much in 50 years. Amazingly, this year is the 50th anniversary of Jose Feliciano unveiling his interpretation of the National Anthem prior to Game 5 of the 1968 World Series at Tiger Stadium in Detroit.
It took years for Feliciano to recover from the backlash, but his version is now understood for the beauty within. Perhaps Fergie will be similarly vindicated.
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