'I am truly sorry': Singer apologises after butchering national anthem at EJ Whitten Legends Game

A former contestant on The Voice has apologised after his rendition of the national anthem at the EJ Whitten Legends Game was met with condemnation online.

Jackson Thomas, who was the runner-up on the talent show last year, was invited to sing to launch the annual charity match at Etihad Stadium last night.

In his usual operatic style, Thomas began comfortably enough, before disastrously losing his way.

Thomas began singing lyrics from the second verse midway through the first as players and fans traded flummoxed looks.

The singer later apologised on Twitter for his performance.

Viewers were typically quick to take to social media to slam the rendition.

The annual Legends Game is played in honour of former Footscray great Ted Whitten, who died of prostate cancer in 1995.

All money raised from the match helps fund the battle against the disease.