On Sunday, multiplatinum country and pop music star Jewel sang the national anthem at the Indy 500. However, her version of the national anthem left many fans angered and a bit perplexed.
Some people, however, loved it.
Wearing white with a cowboy hat, Jewel belted out a rendition of the anthem that lasted two minutes.
.@jeweljk sings the national anthem at the greatest spectacle in racing. 🇺🇸 #Indy500
📺: NBC and @peacock pic.twitter.com/rpjuG1o2dk
— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) May 28, 2023
The takes poured in quickly on Twitter.
Jewel mangling the anthem what a shocker #Indy500
— Dr.Greenthumb (@The_Wraith420) May 28, 2023
I really like Jewel. But that wasn’t good.
— choose wisely (@billpresson) May 28, 2023
Jewel butchered the national anthem at the Indy 500. People were trying to sing along but couldn’t because of the way she sang it. What a shame.
— Nancy Gould (@nagould) May 28, 2023
Wow, I love Jewel’s voice, but this performance was abysmal and definitely not a salute to our flag/country/veterans.#Indy500 made a huge mistake. https://t.co/ckcMPcEnjx
— Valdosta (@Valdosterini) May 28, 2023
jewel’s national anthem for indy 500 might be the worst anthem rendition to date
— boone (@im_boone) May 28, 2023
Still, some liked the anthem and thought Jewel hit a home run.
Jewel just did the best national anthem I’ve ever heard in my life I’m not exaggerating
— shakira (@shakkattackk) May 28, 2023
Jewel with perhaps my favorite version of the Star Spangled Banner ever. @IMS #Indy500 pic.twitter.com/jK1hNEKh47
— Liz Malatestinic (@LizMalSPHR) May 28, 2023
Jewel just made everyone cry
— doctorgc (@DoctorGC) May 28, 2023
Ultimately, the Twitter reaction was pretty evenly split. Jewel’s version was obviously more harmonious and in keeping with her folk song background. That’s definitely a departure from the traditional singing of the Star-Spangled Banner. Though, it’s hard to see how there is anything grossly offensive about it.
Josef Newgarden ended up winning the race, his first Indy 500 championship.