Indie Singer Loomis says ‘F–ked It Up’ during live debate anthem mishap

Indie singer Loomis faced widespread mockery online after her faltered performance of the national anthem during the Free & Equal Presidential Debate on October 23, 2024.

The debate, held in Los Angeles, featured third-party candidates Chase Oliver of the Libertarian Party, Dr. Jill Stein of the Green Party, and Randall Terry of the Constitution Party, and was broadcast live on C-SPAN, radio, and online. Loomis, whose Spotify plays are under 3,000, struggled with her acapella rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," visibly faltering during the line “and the rocket’s red glare.” Mid-performance, Loomis exclaimed, “I fucked it up, can I go back please?” unaware the broadcast was live.

The Free and Equal Elections Foundation, which organized the debate, received an apology from Loomis, who later expressed regret in an Instagram video, stating, "I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to mess up the national anthem.” Loomis further explained, “I got too nervous," adding that she had long dreaded performing the anthem, a song she finds intimidating due to the silence and seriousness expected from audiences. She revealed to TMZ that a last-minute schedule left her with only one day of preparation, which added to her nerves.