Singer Loomis was in the news last week as she sang ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ at a live event and things went south. Seconds before the anthem started, she asked to restart — and let slip a string of expletives.
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The moment was charged with tension. After the disaster, how could a live broadcast culminate in this gaffe? It became a shadow she could not shake online, the criticism lurking and scrutinizing. The apology was a heartfelt one from Loomis. She apologized for her unprofessional manner in an event to promote the nation. A well-intentioned moment of inspiration that landed with a thud, igniting an internet wave.
The tirade elicited numerous reactions. Others stood by her, pointing out that live performances bring great stress and pressure also. Other responses say an apology is not enough. They are supposed to be the model of practice for us, shouldn’t they?
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Loomis’ faux pas is especially timed for a time in which artists are always under the microscope. Politicians to pop stars: Navigating the line between authenticity and expectation. Maybe it speaks to a more global conversation of what accountability even is and means in lived experience.
So, what can go wrong when you work with emotions? Do you ask for help when the overpowering keeps pressing its weight on your chest? On that front, Loomis is not alone. There have been countless live performance fails — with the likes of Adele and Justin Bieber crashing down on stage that remind us mere mortals, after all.
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I know on an individual level what it means to feel the pressure of performing. Your nerves, the expectations; it can be too much sometimes. Empathy with a woman in her position; crowds of millions – only to fall. We’ve all been there, haven’t we?
Also, there is a lesson to be learned from this incident. It begs the question of how much vulnerability is too little, juxtaposed with our responsibilities as professionals. So how do performers approach these delicate waters while still maintaining their genuineness?
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In the end, Loomis will recover. Her apology in the matter shows great grace and consideration, which goes a long way. Her next performance (hopefully, if I get lucky) will show some growth and a little bit of resilience.. but we can read into that later — maybe it becomes another teaching moment.
