Singer Jewel’s unique cover of the national anthem split fans ahead of the Indy 500 Sunday.
Jewel, clad in a cowboy hat, played the guitar as she sang the anthem. Her over two-minute rendition received over 200,000 views on Twitter.
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Some listening enjoyed Jewel’s version, while others took to social media to express their disappointment.
“This is the perfect example of how not to do the national anthem,” one user wrote. “It was to the point of being disrespectful.”
“‘Sings’ is one way to put it,” another user tweeted alongside a trash emoji.
.@jeweljk sings the national anthem at the greatest spectacle in racing. ?? #Indy500
?: NBC and @peacock pic.twitter.com/rpjuG1o2dk
— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) May 28, 2023
“To anyone wondering how it’s disrespectful, it’s because she (and, unfortunately, the majority of celebrities who sing the national anthem) used the moment to draw attention to herself rather than sing it the way it was written, which would keep the focus on the country,” another user explained.
Jewel appeared to win listeners over overwhelmingly with her unique style.
“All things being equal, I prefer a more traditional rendition, but, that said, hers was heartfelt and moving,” one user wrote. “Completely Jewel’s style. One very positive thing about her slower tempo was that the audience could not help but focus on the words.”
“She didn’t change words, and really it gave me more time to think about the importance of the song,” another agreed. “Find other things to be offended by, but not a beautiful rendition of our national anthem!”
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“Likely one of the best versions I’ve heard. Artists have artistic license to make slight changes and this is melodically in line with the original,” one user wrote. “She just sang different partials up or down that would fit the chord. One. Of. The. Best. Ever.”
Josef Newgarden would go on to win the Indy 500, which he immediately celebrated by getting out of his vehicle and leaping into the crowd watching the race.
