A few months back, Jewel's rendition of the national anthem at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game had social media users flocking to Twitter to express their thoughts on the singer's folksy version of the pre-game staple tune.
But the "Foolish Games" singer paid her critics no mind and stuck with her acoustic delivery of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Sunday's Indy 500, and - just as before - viewers are split.
Jewel took the platform decked out in white from head to toe, complete with a cowboy hat and checkered flag scarf.
You can watch the Grammy-nominated artist belt the national anthem accompanied by her blue acoustic below.
\u201c.@jeweljk sings the national anthem at the greatest spectacle in racing. \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 #Indy500 \n\n\ud83d\udcfa: NBC and @peacock\u201d— INDYCAR on NBC (@INDYCAR on NBC) 1685291849
Several viewers of Jewel's performance felt the "You Were Meant for Me" singer veered too far from the original, some even going as far as to say it's the "worst anthem rendition to date."
\u201cThis is the perfect example of how not to do the national anthem. It was to the point of being disrespectful.\u201d— Jacob \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\udfc1 (@Jacob \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\udfc1) 1685293368
\u201cjewel\u2019s national anthem for indy 500 might be the worst anthem rendition to date\u201d— boone (@boone) 1685291450
\u201c@IndyCaronNBC @jeweljk @peacock As a former Navy musician, who has played and sung this song easily over 1,000 times in various settings, tha answer on this very loose rendition is a Hard Pass. Love Jewel-but the anthem isn\u2019t a 90s pop ballad. \ud83d\ude1e\u201d— INDYCAR on NBC (@INDYCAR on NBC) 1685291849
\u201c@IndyCaronNBC @jeweljk @peacock I\u2019m sorry, but the National Anthem should NEVER, be changed up like this. Good artist, bad choice!\u201d— INDYCAR on NBC (@INDYCAR on NBC) 1685291849
\u201c@IndyCaronNBC @jeweljk @peacock One of the worst National Anthem performances I've ever seen in my life. Not Roseanne bad, but up there.\u201d— INDYCAR on NBC (@INDYCAR on NBC) 1685291849
\u201c@IndyCaronNBC @jeweljk @peacock Not only was this terrible it was disrespectful the national anthem isn\u2019t something to change and put \u201cpersonal touches \u201c on.\u201d— INDYCAR on NBC (@INDYCAR on NBC) 1685291849
\u201c@IndyCaronNBC @jeweljk @peacock This is awful .. sharp and flat. .. some of it landed but this was difficult to get through ..\u201d— INDYCAR on NBC (@INDYCAR on NBC) 1685291849
Others, however, felt Jewel simply added her storytelling style to the song and added personal touches that in no way disrespect the song.
\u201c@IndyCaronNBC @jeweljk @peacock Likely one of the best versions I\u2019ve heard. Artists have artistic license to make slight changes and this is melodically in line with the original. She just sang different partials up or down that would fit the chord. \n\nOne. Of. The. Best. Ever.\u201d— INDYCAR on NBC (@INDYCAR on NBC) 1685291849
\u201c@IndyCaronNBC @jeweljk @peacock I loved it. \ud83e\udd37\ud83c\udffb\u200d\u2642\ufe0f\nInteresting and beautiful rendition, @jeweljk \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\u201d— INDYCAR on NBC (@INDYCAR on NBC) 1685291849
\u201c@IndyCaronNBC @jeweljk @peacock Absolutely beautiful. Had me in tears. Stellar performance!\u201d— INDYCAR on NBC (@INDYCAR on NBC) 1685291849
\u201c@IndyCaronNBC @jeweljk @peacock I liked it. It is ok to sing our national anthem and put your style on it.\u201d— INDYCAR on NBC (@INDYCAR on NBC) 1685291849
\u201c@IndyCaronNBC @jeweljk @peacock Absolutely beautifully done!\u201d— INDYCAR on NBC (@INDYCAR on NBC) 1685291849
\u201c@IndyCaronNBC @jeweljk @peacock If you know her music then you know this is how she sings. She did a good job and yes she made it her own!\u201d— INDYCAR on NBC (@INDYCAR on NBC) 1685291849
Whether or not fans could agree on Jewel's rendition of the national anthem, many noted it was definitely one of the event's pre-race highlights, neck and neck with Adam Driver waving the green flag.
Regardless of the chatter, though, we doubt Jewel has any intention of changing her rendition in the future.
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