Ingrid Andress sang the national anthem at the Home Run Derby on July 15. Unfortunately, her performance, which kicked off the popular MLB event, quickly went viral on social media for the wrong reasons.
The four-time Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter delivered the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the 2024 Home Run Derby held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. As she missed several notes, viewers and sports commentators took to social media to weigh in on the rocky performance.
“The national anthem ahead of the 2024 Home Run Derby on ESPN by four-time Grammy-nominated artist Ingrid Andress was interesting, to say the least…,” the account Awful Announcing penned on X.
“It is impressive that this Ingrid Andress has missed every single note. That was painful #HomeRunDerby,” added another X user.
“I’m so sorry, I’m sure Ingrid Andress is a wonderful person, but that was one of the worst national anthems I think I’ve ever heard in my whole life,” wrote Sports Illustrated writer and podcast host Alex Carr.
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The camera then panned to some players, including participant Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies, who was trying to contain his laughter. Viewers were quick to draw comparisons to Fergie’s infamous live version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game
“With all due respect to Ms. Andress, who is wonderfully talented and surely a delightful country singer, her rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ was not good. I’m sorry, but it wasn’t. We’re all thinking it and it has to be said,” wrote CBS Sports writer Mike Axisa.
ARLINGTON, TX – JULY 15: Ingrid Andress sings the national anthem prior to the 2024 T-Mobile Home … [+]
MLB Photos via Getty Images
ESPN initially posted a video of Ingrid Andress’ performance on YouTube, but the clip has been deleted from the site.
The 32-year-old found success with her 2019 breakthrough hit “More Hearts Than Mine” and albums Good Person and Lady Like. She was nominated for four Grammys, including Best New Artist, Best Country Song, and Best Country Album in 2021. In 2023, her track with Sam Hunt titled “Wishful Drinking” was a contender for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
According to CBS Sports, Andress’ father, Brad Andress, was a strength and conditioning coach with the Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies, New York Mets, and the University of Michigan.