29 May 2023 , 13:55
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Jewel has been criticised for her rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner over the weekend, with some people suggesting that her version was not traditional enough.
The singer-songwriter, 49, performed the national anthem for the crowd on Sunday (May 28) at motoring race Indy 500, which was held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Her rendition of the song at the annual event in Indiana on Memorial Day weekend was slower than it's traditionally performed and it has been described as "soulful".
The performance has prompted criticism on social media platforms, with some people unimpressed that she didn't adhere to the way that the anthem is traditionally sung.
Jewel performed The Star-Spangled Banner at the Indy 500 over the weekend (Icon Sportswire via AP Images)
Her rendition of the national anthem has since attracted attention on social media (Icon Sportswire via AP Images)One person wrote in a tweet about Jewel's performance: "This is the perfect example of how not to do the national anthem. It was to the point of being disrespectful."
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Another said: "I'm sorry but [it] should never be changed up like this. Good artist, bad choice." A third said: "You should be ashamed of yourself. Rewriting the national anthem?"
"You're given the honor of singing the national anthem at the biggest spectacle in racing, and you decide to rewrite the music? I'm all for being creative and putting your own 'personal' touch to it, but that was way too much," said another.
Another person tweeted: "Jewel butchered the national anthem at the Indy500. People were trying to sing along but couldn't because of the way she sang it. What a shame."
"It's considered disrespectful to perform the national anthem in any fashion except 'straight-forward'. Performing one's own rendition of our anthem is usually done to bring attention to the performer(s) rather than to honour our great nation. Hopefully Jewel will learn," tweeted another.
"Can nobody just sing the anthem normally?" asked one person. Whilst another tweeted: "The national anthem isn't something to change and put 'personal touches' on".
There however has been support for Jewel's rendition amid the backlash, with some people having defended the singer-songwriter against the criticism that she's received.
"I don't see or hear anything disrespectful or offensive. It takes guts and talent to add a personal touch to an anthem," tweeted one person following the performance.
She performed the song at the annual motoring event held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Icon Sportswire via AP Images)Another said: "I don't get what the issue is. Sounds respectful to me. Sounds melodic." Sharing their thoughts, another wrote: "She knew all the lyrics and sang it beautifully. It was a lil different but she ain't the first, won't be last".
Another tweeted: "I was expecting to hate it hearing the uproar. I thought it was a nice arrangement and fit her style. [...] There has certainly been much worse renditions of [it]".
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One person said: "Likely one of the best versions I've heard. Artists have artistic license to make slight changes". They later said that "[everyone] adds artistic expression".
"Absolutely beautiful! Heartfelt and well done. [...] She nailed it and brought a tear to my eye," tweeted one person. Whilst another commented: "That was amazing! Jewel killed it!"