Fergie has responded to critics of her poorly received performance of the National Anthem at this year's NBA All-Star Game, admitting it didn't quite go as planned.

"I've always been honored and proud to perform the National Anthem and last night I wanted to try something special for the NBA. I'm a risk taker artistically, but clearly this rendition didn't strike the intended tone. I love this country and honestly tried my best," she said in a statement released to TMZ Monday (Feb. 19).

Fergie sang a slowed down, unexpected version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" that puzzled her audience and left social media commentators claiming it was the "worst rendition ever." Even Mariah Carey weighed in, when asked to give advice on how to handle the criticism: “Dahling, nobody needs to listen to that."

(billboard.com)