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Indy 500 fans SLAM Jewel ‘extremely disrespectful’ for playing national anthem ahead of historic race…viewers say ‘ruined’ her moment at classic

  • The performance of the national singer and songwriter attracted anger and attention
  • Others defended her speech saying the negativity was overblown.
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Indianapolis 500 fans may have thought singer-songwriter Jewel’s version of the national anthem was a little tone deaf.

The Alaska-raised folk artist, 49, has put together a more sophisticated version of the song than his rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” in his book.

On a stage as big as ‘The Greatest Show in Racing’, the four-time Grammy-nominated artist performed a soulful version of the 200+ year old song.

It was similar in style and tone to the national anthem she sang at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game in her hometown of Utah.

Although it’s not a completely off-the-record version or a brutally sung version like some other recordings, some have taken issue with the song’s rendition on social media.

Folk artist Jewel performed the National Anthem at the Indy 500 – and got quite the reaction

The 49-year-old was chosen to perform the national anthem for the thousands who attended the track

The 49-year-old was chosen to perform the national anthem for the thousands who attended the track

Jewel walks the red carpet ahead of her performance.

Jewel walks the red carpet ahead of her performance.

The 49-year-old was chosen to perform the national anthem for thousands of people

Many Twitter users criticized Jewell's performance in Indianapolis on Sunday.

Many Twitter users criticized Jewell's performance in Indianapolis on Sunday.

Many Twitter users criticized Jewell’s performance in Indianapolis on Sunday.

The singer wore an all-white outfit for the event, wearing a bodysuit and a white fringe jacket over it.

She topped off the look with a beige cowboy hat.

Jewel wore her strawberry-toned tresses down her shoulders in light curls.

She strums her dark green guitar and tunes out the entire song for a very slow and soulful rendition.

On Twitter, the sung version of the song drew a lot of reactions – with mixed reviews.

That being said, there were many Twitter users who were upset with the sound of the song.

One person tweeted: ‘She did a great job of desecrating the national anthem.

Another asked, ‘You were given the honor of singing the national anthem at the biggest show of the competition and you decided to rewrite the music? I’m all for being creative and doing your own “personal” touch, but that was too much!’

Another wrote: ‘A perfect example of how not to do the national anthem.’ ‘It was almost respectful.’

It was all smiles before folk star Joel took to the track to perform her rendition.

It was all smiles before folk star Joel took to the track to perform her rendition.

It was all smiles before folk star Joel took to the track to perform her rendition.

She's no stranger to singing the anthem at sporting events, having previously been selected to perform at the NBA All-Star Game in February.

She's no stranger to singing the anthem at sporting events, having previously been selected to perform at the NBA All-Star Game in February.

For her performance in Salt Lake City, Jewel wore a bold outfit featuring various NBA teams.

For her performance in Salt Lake City, Jewel wore a bold outfit featuring various NBA teams.

She’s no stranger to singing the anthem at sporting events, having previously been selected to perform at the NBA All-Star Game in February.

Others defended her performance, saying the reaction may have been overblown.

Others defended her performance, saying the reaction may have been overblown.

Others defended her performance, saying the reaction may have been overblown.

The Indy 500 was eventually won by Joseph Newgarden, who drank himself after milk

The Indy 500 was eventually won by Joseph Newgarden, who drank himself after milk

The Indy 500 was eventually won by Joseph Newgarden, who drank himself after milk

There were also many people who defended the performance for many reasons.

One user thought the show was ‘out of place’ but said: ‘I’m a culture geek who believes our national anthem should always be sung in chorus.’ [sic] Original form. However @jeweljk’s rendition looks unique and good.’

Another said, ‘hmm I was going to hate hearing the commotion. I thought it was a great arrangement and perfect for her style. I personally never cared for her or her voice.

One particular Twitter user thought the version matched the tone of Memorial Day, writing, ‘Wow, people online can really find something to be angry about. It means well and we wish everyone a happy Memorial Day weekend as we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we are blessed with.’

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