Singer Loomis’s national anthem performance at a presidential debate turns into a viral disaster, leaving audiences stunned and sparking a social media frenzy.
At a Glance
- Indie singer Loomis botched the national anthem at the Free & Equal Presidential Debate
- The performance was marred by voice cracks, missed lyrics, and an on-stage request for a do-over
- Loomis believed the event was being recorded, not broadcast live
- The incident went viral, drawing widespread attention and criticism
- The debate featured third-party candidates, highlighting the challenges faced by non-mainstream political movements
A Star-Spangled Blunder
Indie singer Loomis delivered a cringe-worthy performance of the national anthem at the Free & Equal Presidential Debate – and she’s really disappointed by it. The event, featuring third-party candidates Chase Oliver (Libertarian), Dr. Jill Stein (Green), and Randall Terry (Constitution), quickly became overshadowed by Loomis’s vocal mishap.
As Loomis began to sing, her voice cracked noticeably, leading to a moment of panic. In a move that left the audience stunned, she abruptly stopped singing, cursed, and pleaded for a do-over. “I f*cked it up, I fucked it up, can I go back please?” Loomis exclaimed, seemingly unaware that the event was being broadcast live.
Ouch…
The Aftermath and Explanation
In the wake of the incident, Loomis spoke to TMZ, attempting to explain the disastrous performance. She revealed that she had been under the impression that the event was being recorded, not broadcast live. This misunderstanding led to her unfiltered reaction when she realized she had made a mistake.
“Since I was a little girl, I always said I don’t want to sing the national anthem, it’s like the scariest thing to me ever because everyone’s all standing up so serious everyone’s all quiet,” she said.
It’s a curse!
Loomis’s admission of her long-standing fear of performing the national anthem raises questions about why she accepted the invitation in the first place. It’s a stark reminder of the pressures faced by performers in high-profile settings, especially when dealing with a song as revered and challenging as the Star-Spangled Banner.
Singer Loomis is giving insight into her botched take on the National Anthem — defending she's actually a good singer, despite her poor performance. pic.twitter.com/qEKDXpFFFy
— TMZ (@TMZ) October 28, 2024
The Bigger Picture: Third-Party Struggles
While Loomis’s performance has become the talking point, it’s important not to lose sight of the event’s original purpose. The Free & Equal Presidential Debate was an opportunity for third-party candidates to present their platforms to the American people. However, this incident serves as a metaphor for the struggles faced by non-mainstream political movements in gaining serious attention.
Just as Loomis claims to be a good singer despite her poor performance, third-party candidates often struggle to showcase their true potential in a political landscape dominated by two major parties. The history of third-party candidates in U.S. presidential elections is marked by notable attempts but ultimate failure to secure victory. From John Anderson in 1980 to Ross Perot in 1992 and Ron Paul in 2008, these candidates have faced an uphill battle against the entrenched two-party system.
The most successful third-party bid in U.S. history came from Theodore Roosevelt in 1912, who finished second to Woodrow Wilson. This historical context underscores the monumental challenges faced by the candidates participating in this debate, now overshadowed by a botched rendition of the national anthem.
If there’s a lesson in this, though, it’s that when performing, always carry on!
