Indie singer Loomies apologises after botching US national anthem on live TV

A singer has issued an apology after swearing on live television and "messing up" her rendition of the US national anthem.

Loomis sparked ridicule across social media after her performance of *The Star-Spangled Banner* at an independent candidate debate on Wednesday, which aired live on C-SPAN as well as on radio and online platforms.

In an Instagram video shared on Saturday, Loomis described the incident as a “mishap” and expressed regret to the Free and Equal Elections team, who organised the debate, saying: "I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to mess up the national anthem."

“This has been something I’ve been scared of since I was a little girl… I was scared I was gonna fail and then I did, and the world’s seen it,” she said.

Footage from the debate shows Loomis visibly flustered on stage, appearing to stumble over a note. After singing the line, “and the rocket’s red glare,” she swore and asked, “Can I go back, can I go back please?” She was only then made aware that the recording was live.

“I got too nervous,” she later remarked during her performance.

Her fumbled rendition has since drawn comparisons to other notable anthem missteps, with some social media users likening it to Fergie’s widely criticised performance at the NBA All-Star Game in 2018. At the time, Fergie explained that she had “wanted to try something special for the NBA” but admitted it “didn’t strike the intended tone.”

“Fergie has officially earned her retirement,” one TikTok user commented under Loomis’ performance video.

Country singer Ingrid Andress also faced online backlash for her rendition of the national anthem at the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby in July, later admitting that she had been intoxicated during the performance.