Country singer Luke Bryan didn’t flub the National Anthem last night (July 10) at the All-Star Baseball Game, but he’s apologizing nonetheless for repeatedly referring to crib notes during the song.

That’s far better than Christina Aguilera, Scotty McCreery and Steven Tyler, who all sang the challenging song at major sports events and flubbed the lyrics.

But Bryan still hasn’t escaped criticism. Basically it’s like this: If he’s going to sing the song in front thousands of people and millions of television viewers, he should at least make an effort to learn the words.

The problem is he glanced down at his hand repeatedly as he sang. So much so, it became noticeable. He responded to critics over Twitter today an acknowledged he had a cheat sheet. But it wasn’t as bad as it seemed he insisted.

“I had a few keys words written down to insure myself that I wouldn’t mess up. I just wanted to do my best. I promise it was from the heart,” he Tweeted. “If I offended anyone with my approach I sincerely apologize. Anytime I sing the anthem it is an honor and my heart beats out of my chest.”

One twitter fan wondered if he was checking his watch. And another wrote: “Luke Bryan sings the national anthem the way I used to take geometry tests.”

Bryan added that some of his glances were directed at his watch. “because I knew the stealth bomber would fly over 2 minutes in and I knew a started [the song] a little late.”

“Being a part of the all star game was amazing and I look forward to the next time I can perform the anthem. Thanks y’all. Love ya” Do you think they’ll have him back?

Despite the controversy, Bryan did a credible job singing the song. Kellie Pickler, who sang “God Bless America” during the seventh inning stretch, gave him a high-five. “Great job on the anthem! Yay USA! ‪#MLB”‬ she Tweeted.

“If our freaking President of the United States can use a Teleprompter to read the Pledge of Allegiance, then a performer can look at the words of the National Anthem if he really wants to. Good god, lets focus on the fact that Luke Bryan was amazing,” Tweeted a supporter.

For the record, Aguilera blew the lyrics to the song at the 2011 Super Bowl. Check it out here.

McCreery was singing at Game 1 of the World Series when he mispronounced some of the words to the song.

Tyler screeched the National Anthem at the AFC Championship football game in January, and sounded like Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock. Afterward, he said he meant to sing it in his trademark raspy rock and roll style.

Check out Bryan below: