Multi-platinum country and pop music star Jewel sang the national anthem at the Indy 500 on Sunday. However, her version of the national anthem angered and slightly embarrassed many fans.
But some people liked it.
Dressed in white and wearing a cowboy hat, Jewel sang the national anthem for two minutes.
.@jeweljk Singing the national anthem at the race’s biggest spectacle. 🇺🇸 #Indy 500
📺: NBC and @peacock pic.twitter.com/rpjuG1o2dk
— NBC’s INDYCAR (@IndyCaronNBC) May 28, 2023
The take immediately flooded Twitter.
It’s shocking that a jewel messes up the national anthem #Indy 500
— Dr. Greensome (@The_Wraith420) May 28, 2023
I love Jewel. But it wasn’t good.
— choose wisely (@billpresson) May 28, 2023
Jewell sang the national anthem at the Indy 500. People tried to sing along, but she couldn’t because of the way she sang. what a shame.
— Nancy Gould (@nagould) May 28, 2023
Wow I love Jewel’s voice but this performance was terrible and not a salute to our flag, country or veterans.#Indy 500 I made a big mistake. https://t.co/ckcMPcEnjx
— Valdosta (@Valdosterini) May 28, 2023
Jewel’s Indy 500 anthem may be the worst national anthem performance ever
— Boone (@im_boone) May 28, 2023
Still, some people liked the anthem and thought Jewel had hit a home run.
Jewel sang the best national anthem I’ve ever heard in my life I’m not exaggerating
— Shakira (@shakk Attackk) May 28, 2023
Probably my favorite version of the Stars and Stripes jewel. @IMS #Indy 500 pic.twitter.com/jK1hNEKh47
— Liz Malatestinic (@LizMalSPHR) May 28, 2023
Jewel made everyone cry
— Doctor GC (@DoctorGC) May 28, 2023
In the end, Twitter’s reaction was more or less even. Jewel’s version was decidedly more harmonious and matched her folk song background. It’s definitely a departure from traditional singing. stars and stripes. However, it’s hard to see if there’s anything grossly offensive about it.
Joseph Newgarden eventually won and became the first Indy 500 champion.
