Reaction on social media to the national anthem performance at Monday’s Home Run Derby was quick and strong, with some saying it was the worst rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” they’ve heard at a sporting event.
The anthem was sung by country artist Ingrid Andress, a four-time Grammy nominee, who most recently was nominated in 2023 for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
“My ears are bleeding. One of the worst national anthem renditions ever,” Astros beat writer Michael Schwab posted.
“Remember Whitney Houston’s National Anthem performance at the Super Bowl? This is the exact opposite,” said Cincinnati Reds beat writer C. Trent Rosecrans.
Some users even said at least one of the baseball players at the Derby appeared to be holding back laughter.
Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images
Andress’ most recent album, Good Person, was released in 2022 and included the song “Wishful Drinking,” a collaboration with Sam Hunt. The song reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs list and number 47 on the Billboard Hot 100. Good Person topped out on the Billboard Hot Country Albums list at number 18. Her debut album in 2020, Lady Like, made it to number 9 on the list.
She has headlined concerts and also toured with Keith Urban, Dan + Shay, Tim McGraw and Stevie Nicks, according to her website, which said Lady Like “set the record as the highest streaming country female debut album of all time upon release.”
She has four upcoming performances:
- July 17 at Row One State in Nashville, TN
- July 24 at Globe Hall in Denver, CO
- Aug. 3 at Basilica Block Party in Minneapolis, MN
- Oct. 4 at Country Calling in Ocean City
Her website also said she is currently in the studio working on a third album.
Andress does not appear to have commented on social media about her Monday night performance. Some social media users compared her performance to past ones at sporting events by Fergie and Roseanne Barr.
The singer is originally from Michigan but also spent time growing up with her family in Colorado. Andress’ father, Brad Andress, was a longtime coach with the Detroit Tigers and Colorado Rockies, according to Baseball Reference.
Ingrid Andress announced this week that she has a new single, “Colorado 9,” coming out July 24.
