Did The Fray Perform the Worst National Anthem Ever?

Performers like to put their mark on the national anthem, particularly at major sporting events. But while adding something extra to 'The Star-Spangled Banner' works for the Christina Aguileras or Zooey Deschanels of the world, it didn't go over so well for The Fray, who performed before last night's NCAA men's basketball title game between Kentucky and Kansas.

For reasons they are going to probably have to explain, the Colorado-based soft rockers added a baffling emo element to our stirring national theme song, and changed up the traditional arrangement. The verdict was swift and harsh, as words like "awful," "dreadful" and, at best, "weird" were tossed around the internet.

On the bright side, the band kept it short. And lead singer Isaac Slade remembered all the words.

But, really, the big losers here are the Kansas basketball team. The Jayhawks came out sluggish -- like they had just listened to a really depressing song -- and then quickly fell behind by double digits on their way to a loss.

What do you think? Was The Fray's national anthem the worst version any artist has ever performed? For comparison, watch Steven Tyler, Zooey Deschanel and Christina Aguilera attempt the song below.