Mixed reviews were given to Jewel's performance of the national anthem at the Indy 500

Any musician's career would be greatly enhanced by being requested to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at a significant sporting event. However, there is danger associated when a vocalist chooses to alter the arrangement. Jewel came to this realisation for herself on Sunday after singing a distinctive rendition of the national anthem to start the Indianapolis 500.

The Masked Singer winner chose to play the patriotic song at her own pace while playing the guitar, giving it a country twist. Some audience members can be seen looking astonished and perplexed in a video of the performance that was shared on the NBC IndyCar Series Twitter account, while others appear to be enjoying her performance.

Similar conflicting feelings have been expressed online. Some people thought Jewel's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" was insulting, while others applauded her for trying something different.

The singing of the national anthem prior to the Indy 500 green flag is a distinctive and memorable moment at the Racing Capital of the World, according to Indianapolis Motor Speedway president J. Douglas Boles, who said this when Jewel was named as the national anthem singer for the Indy 500. Fans at the track and those watching at home on NBC will find Jewel's performance to be a memorable and moving event.

Jewel is not the only performer whose rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" has drawn criticism. The singer Fergie received criticism for her performance at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game, where she modified the song to a jazzy tempo and startled the audience with a sensual performance. The backlash was so severe that Fergie was forced to issue an apology: "I'm an artist who takes risks, but it's obvious that this performance didn't strike the intended tone. I truly did my best and I love this country.

Two years later, at the same occasion, Chaka Khan performed the national anthem in her own unique style, receiving a similarly perplexed reaction.

When asked why he was caught on camera smirking during Fergie's All-Star Game performance, Jimmy Kimmel may have stated it best. The key is to not take chances when it comes to the national anthem. Simply don't, he said. Avoid taking chances when performing brain surgery, operating a school bus, or singing the national anthem. Regular is all right.