Indy 500 national anthem singer breaks silence after being slammed for performance
Natalie Grant took to social media to address the backlash she received for her performance of the national anthem ahead of Sunday's sold-out Indy 500
Gospel singer Natalie Grant faced a divided reaction to her unique rendition of the National Anthem at the Indy 500 on Sunday. Grant, a nine-time Grammy nominee, took to the stage at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to perform the anthem, which she described as a lifelong honor.
Her version featured customized tones, lengthy vocal runs, and drawn-out notes, sparking instant criticism on social media.
On Monday, Grant shared a highlight from her performance on Instagram, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity and paying tribute to the nation's fallen heroes. However, her post ignited a heated debate, with some fans praising her rendition and others accusing her of making the anthem about herself rather than the occasion.
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Robert Gottlieb, FOX Sports' president of marketing, indicated that this year's NASCAR marketing approach may not reflect future strategies. He stated: “I wouldn’t draw any conclusions from what we did this year to market NASCAR to what next year might look like."
"Every season is different — the challenges and opportunities each year are different. We’ve just finished this week, so we have not yet begun to look back, evaluate and kind of game-plan for moving forward — so that’s still to come.”
Despite some criticism, there was a significant wave of support for her powerful performance. One Instagram user praised, "I can't believe anyone would have a problem with the way you sang this, Natalie. This is stunning! I still get goosebumps when I hear it."
Another fan chimed in, "This is seriously the most beautiful rendition ever. As a person who's lost their ability to sing due to a vocal injury in 2017, your voice carries healing."
Grant didn't shy away from the criticism and responded directly in the comments. She said: "Listen, I have been doing this long enough to know there are a few out there that hate when anyone sings this song with any freedom of expression. Music is subjective. And you are free to have your opinion.
"That is the beautiful reality of our country. We are free. And I am also free to sing this song with the passion I feel and the expression I want. I love this country, and my passion comes out in my arrangement."
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The timing of the national anthem, coinciding with the event's Memorial Day tribute, heightened the public response. United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also faced backlash online for his casual attire and hat choice during NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600, underscoring the deep significance of this day for the military.
Grant will hit the road with Christian music band MercyMe and special guest Sam Wesley, kicking off on October 17 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The tour website shows that the 12-city tour will wrap up on November 8 in Topeka, Kansas.
