The immediate rush to judgment was that Bryan was pulling the old "write it on your hand in case you forget" tactic, the same tactic that helped many of us pass a high school class or two.
On Wednesday, he admitted that's what he was indeed doing prior to the Midsummer Classic in Kansas City.
"I had a few keys words written down to insure [sic] myself that I wouldn't mess up," Bryan tweeted. "I just wanted to do my best. I promise it was from the heart.
"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."
The move was also a timing tactic, though.
"I did check my watch because I knew the stealth bomber would fly over 2 minutes in and I knew a started 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."
This isn't the first time a big-time musician has kept anthem crib notes on their hand. In fact, Michael Bolton once famously — and much, much less covertly — had to take a peek at his hand while forgetting the anthem's lyrics during the 2003 American League Championship Series at Fenway Park.
See the Braves fan's version of the anthem below.
