Hello everyone, it’s not often that a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” becomes a headline event in itself, but that’s precisely what happened at Monday’s Home Run Derby. Four-time Grammy nominee Ingrid Andress found herself at the center of a social media storm following her widely criticized rendition of the national anthem at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
Andress, known for her hits like “More Hearts Than Mine” and “Wishful Drinking,” delivered a version of the anthem that many described as “the worst national anthem ever.” Her performance was marked by a sharp, crackling voice and a somber tone that left many in the crowd bewildered. Phillies’ player Alec Bohm was even seen cracking a smile, and the audience quickly joined in to try and balance out Andress’ off-key notes.
The backlash was swift and fierce. Social media exploded with reactions, some humorously extreme, likening the anthem to recent news events. One Twitter user quipped, “That Ingrid Andress national anthem might have been the worst thing to happen in America in the last 48 hours.”
Comparisons were quickly drawn to other infamous national anthem performances by Roseanne Barr, Carl Lewis, and Fergie, cementing Andress’ rendition in a now infamous pantheon of less-than-stellar anthem attempts.
Despite the performance, the crowd at Globe Life Field managed to offer a polite round of applause, though some intermittent boos were audible during the ESPN broadcast. After the anthem, the focus shifted back to the Home Run Derby, where the Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernandez took home his first title.
In response to the incident, Andress issued a heartfelt apology on Instagram. “I’m not gonna b——- y’all, I was drunk last night,” she wrote. “I’m checking myself into a facility today to get the help I need. That was not me last night. I apologize to MLB, all the fans, and this country I love so much for that rendition. I’ll let y’all know how rehab is I hear it’s super fun. xo, Ingrid.”
This incident has certainly added a new chapter to the long history of national anthem performances. From Roseanne Barr’s controversial rendition in 1990, which ended with her grabbing her crotch, to Carl Lewis’ strained attempt in 1993, and Fergie’s sultry, but off-key, performance in 2018, Andress’ version has joined the ranks of those memorable for all the wrong reasons.
Yet, amidst the criticism, there’s a silver lining. Andress’ open acknowledgment of her mistake and her decision to seek help is a powerful reminder of the importance of accountability and personal growth. As she prepares for her upcoming shows at the Basilica Block Party in Minneapolis and Country Calling in Ocean City, fans will undoubtedly be supporting her on her journey to recovery.
So, folks, let’s take this as a reminder that even our favorite stars are human and prone to mistakes. What matters most is how they choose to respond and grow from these experiences. Stay tuned for more updates, and keep rooting for those who strive to better themselves. Thanks for listening!
This was quite the national anthem performed by Ingrid Andress 😅 pic.twitter.com/i6Diwe9DYW
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) July 16, 2024
