Los Angeles, Feb 20 (IANS): After receiving a backlash over her national anthem performance at the NBA All-Star Game, singer Fergie has issued a formal apology.

"I've always been honoured and proud to perform the national anthem and last night (Sunday) 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," Fergie said in a statement to aceshowbiz.com.

Fergie's sultry rendition of the national anthem sparked an outcry on social media, with many calling it "the worst rendition ever".

In addition, basketball player Draymond Green, rapper Chance and TV personality Jimmy Kimmel were caught on camera trying to hold back their laughter during her performance. But Green failed to do it.

Fergie even faced criticism from fellow celebrities. Comedienne Roseanne Barr took to her Twitter account to take a jab at the songstress, writing: "Who saw Fergie's national anthem performance at the NBA All Star Game? I think mine was better lowkey."

Comedienne Leslie Jones also slammed Fergie posting on Instagram a clip of the performance along with a caption which read: "Meanwhile back in the states... I leave for a couple of days and y'all lose your muthaf***ing mind! Why did this happen? Not everyone supposed to do this y'all! You might as well should have ask me to sing."

Reality TV personality Khloe Kardashian, meanwhile, took to her Twitter account to say that she was confused by Fergie's performance.