‘I’m a risk taker’: Fergie apologises after ‘butchering’ US national anthem

Fergie has apologised after her rogue rendition of the US national anthem let viewers baffled, insisting she had "tried her best".

The former Black Eyed Peas singer, 42, was invited to perform The Star-Spangled Banner at the NBA All Star game – but she appeared to put a jazz spin on the song, while adding in some husky breathing.

The bizarre rendition failed to impress viewers who branded it the “worst ever”.

Addressing the backlash, Fergie described herself as a “risk taker” before admitting her cover failed to “strike the intended tone”.

Speaking to TMZ she said: “I’ve always been honoured and proud to perform the national anthem and last night I wanted to try something special for the NBA.

“I’m a risk taker artistically, but clearly this rendition didn’t strike the intended tone. I love this country and honestly tried my best.”

Chance the Rapper and Jimmy Kimmel were among those who appeared to stifle a laugh at the unusual take on the anthem ahead of Saturday night's basketball game.

The “#SingItLikeFergieChallenge” hashtag was soon doing the rounds on Twitter as users posted their own takes on her questionable rendition while others joked the performance “woke pigs and sheep in petting zoos all across America”.

Khloe Kardashian was also among those who were left confused, tweeting: “This All Star opening is confusing me. WTF is going on? Anyone?”

The game, which saw Team Stephen beat Team Lebron was attended by celebrities including Beyonce and her daughter Blue Ivy, Sean Combs, Jamie Foxx, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Kevin Hart.