Country music star Joe Nichols was invited to sing "God Bless America" before Tuesday's MLB All-Star Game, but his performance as panned by many fans.
Social media was abuzz with negative remarks about Nichols' rendition, but Billboard Chart topping artist took the criticism in stride.
Nichols tweeted a picture of himself and his wife, Heather, minutes before he took to Minneapolis' Target Field to sing the patriotic song.
"Loving life at the All Star Game with H and friends," he wrote. "About to sing God Bless America."
Soon, however, he would be retweeting fans coming to his defense.
Nichols' rendition was sung softly, and without the enthusiasm that many fans are used to hearing in a singer's voice at a ballpark. One Twitter user called it "one of the weakest renditions of God Bless America I've ever heard."
The majority of reactions were similar.
"Watching the all star game," another person wrote. "Ugh, Joe Nichols that was a pathetic version of God Bless America. Must not love America very much."
Radio host Chris Carley also weighed in on the lackluster performance. "Overheard: 'If I were God, I'd refuse to bless America for a few days, based on the way Joe Nichols bleated 'God Bless America.'' #ASG #Ouch," he tweeted.
The following day, Nichols began retweeting the positive and encouraging comments people posted about his "God Bless America" rendition.
"Hey @JoeNichols the #hatersgonnahate. They were disappointed someone didn't lip sing a perfect performance. #1 song is all the proof u need," one woman tweeted.
"@JoeNichols Haters are just jealous!" another added. "Keep doing what you do best #muchlove."
After several retweets of positive comments, Nichols began tweeting about a guitar give-away and his upcoming concert performances. The singer is currently traveling across the country in promotion of his second single, "Yeah," off his newest album, "Crickets." The single reached number one on the Country Airplay chart this month.
