Ingrid Andress, the four-time Grammy nominee, took the stage at the MLB Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, to perform the National Anthem. However, her rendition left many attendees and social media users perplexed.
A Rocky Rendition
Known for her successful career in country music, Andress faced an unexpected challenge as she missed several notes during her performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The reactions from the players were visible, with some struggling to contain their laughter. Social media quickly lit up with comparisons to other infamous performances, such as Fergie’s 2018 NBA All-Star Game rendition and Roseanne Barr’s 1990 Padres game performance.
Social Media Reactions
The performance rapidly went viral for all the wrong reasons. Viewers and sports commentators shared their thoughts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
- Awful Announcing commented, “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 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… pic.twitter.com/p3HkV9Vcvg— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 16, 2024
- Another user noted, “It is impressive that this Ingrid Andress has missed every single note. That was painful #HomeRunDerby.”
- Sports Illustrated writer and podcast host Alex Carr wrote, “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.”
CBS Sports writer Mike Axisa also expressed his disappointment, stating, “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.”
A Flourishing Career
Despite the rocky performance, Andress has had a fruitful career. Born in Michigan and raised in Colorado, she gained popularity with her debut album, “Lady Like,” in March 2020. Her singles “More Hearts Than Mine” and “Wishful Drinking” with Sam Hunt charted on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at Nos. 30 and 47, respectively.
In 2021, Andress received nominations for four Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, Best Country Song, and Best Country Album. Her duet “Wishful Drinking” received a nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2023.
Looking Ahead
Earlier on the day of her performance, Andress teased a new era in her career with the announcement of her upcoming single “Colorado 9,” set to release on July 24. She has scheduled shows in Nashville on July 17 and Denver on July 24.
Personal Connections
Adding a personal touch, Andress’ father, Brad Andress, has a background in sports as a strength and conditioning coach with teams like the Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies, New York Mets, and the University of Michigan.
While Ingrid Andress’s performance at the Home Run Derby may not have gone as planned, her career in country music continues to thrive. Fans eagerly anticipate her upcoming single and future performances, hopeful that this event is merely a minor setback in an otherwise successful journey.
