KEARSTIN CANTRELL | Opinions Editor 

A common practice among singers is adding personal flair when performing the national anthem before sporting events and the like.

Sometimes this turns out fine. Other times, the artist makes a mockery of an anthem meant to unify the American people.

For example, before the Super Bowl LII, singer Pink performed the national anthem with minor stylistic alterations to how the song is usually performed. Despite the fact that she fought the flu the week leading up to the performance, the performance was beautiful.

On the other side of the board, we have singer Fergie who performed the national anthem prior to the 2018 NBA All-Star game.

If you haven’t heard it, check it out here.

To say it didn’t go well is an understatement. I wish I could say that I thought she was on key and I personally just wasn’t a fan of the style. However, to my admittedly untrained ear, it sounds like she was off key at various parts of the song.

Not to mention that the rendition just didn’t match the mood of the event. Part of being a performer is knowing what styles are appropriate for each event.

The NBA All-Star Game is not the time or place for a sultry alteration to the national anthem.

Since then, Fergie has apologized for the fact that the song was not well received by saying that she was taking a risk.

Again, there’s a time and place for that.

Jimmy Kimmel said it best when addressing the performance on Tuesday’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

“Here’s the thing about taking risks when it comes to the national anthem: Don’t. Just don’t,” Kimmel said. “Don’t take risks when you’re doing brain surgery, don’t take risks driving a school bus — or singing the national anthem. Just regular is fine.”

And that is the best advice I could possibly think of for performing the national anthem.