Singer Loomis Responds To Backlash Following National Anthem Performance

Following a now-viral performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” singer Loomis has issued an apology for her butchering of the National Anthem.

“First off, I would like to apologize to the Free and Equal political team for this mishap, and from the bottom of my heart I wanted to apologize,” she began in a video. “And I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to mess up the National Anthem, and I wanted to thank you guys for giving me a chance and believing in me. Please forgive me.”

The Los Angeles singer and fashionista went on to thank her fans for supporting her while also sharing that she always had a fear of “messing up” the National Anthem before a crowd. “I was always scared I was going to fail, and then I did, and the world’s seen it,” she continued. “So I just wanted anybody out there who’s seen, that you can change anything negative into something positive.”

In the post’s caption, Loomis added, “I was a little late there and didn’t have a clear cue, which left me flustered when we went live! I know it wasn’t my best, and I’m truly sorry if it didn’t hit the mark. I take full responsibility on my part and ask that you don’t use this incident to reflect on the artist I am and trying to be.”

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity and all the love and support I’ve received. I’m taking this as a lesson learned, and I can’t wait to come back even stronger!”

Speaking to cursing during the live broadcast, Loomis issued a statement to VIBE, saying, “When I realized I messed up, I panicked and cursed. I was so nervous and that’s when you all saw everything that happened. It’s the National Anthem, my family was watching, especially my Dad — I didn’t mean to. But I was reacting in the raw and unfiltered way that I am.”

Loomis’ apology comes after the Free and Equals Elections Presidential debate aired live on Thursday (Oct. 24). Dressed in a classy two-piece skirt set, the singer started off strong before reaching the part in the song where her voice raised an octave.

“And the rockets’ red glare,” she sung in the wrong note causing her to say on the mic, “I f**ked it up, I f**ked it up. Can I go back, can I go back please?” A camera man then informed her, “You’re live.” With a shocked look on her face, she tried to continue the song, only to crack and admit on the mic, “I got too nervous.”

Social media had a field day with her performance as they went crazy in the comments. Many asked, “Is this a SNL (Saturday Night Live) skit?” as others acknowledged how she didn’t sound that bad until she got to the choppy part of the song. Elsewhere, critics cut Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas some slack. “Oh I know you’re lying. Fergie, you are forgiven!” a person captioned a screengrab of the cringey moment.

Loomis is an Italian R&B singer and fashion muse from Pacoima, Los Angeles. Her journey in the music industry has included singing and creating with the legendary El Debarge and Diane Warren. She’s also collaborated with Grammy-winning producer Timbaland, Bobby Ross Avila, and Battlecat.

See Loomis‘ full National Anthem performance below.