The MLB All-Star event usually showcases excellence, except when it comes to the Star-Spangled Banner performance.
Anyone who listened to singer Ingrid Andress sing the national anthem before the Home Run Derby can attest to that. To put it bluntly, it was not well-received.
My ears are bleeding. One of the worst national anthem renditions ever pic.com/FnJUNjWe6l
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) July 16, 2024
Historically, Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas was infamous for her poor rendition of the national anthem. However, Andress might have surpassed her. Her performance in Arlington, Texas left MLB fans unsure whether to react with laughter, tears, boos, or cheers – so they did a bit of everything.
According to People:
“The country music star and four-time Grammy-nominated singer’s rendition of the National Anthem at Texas’ Globe Life Field on Monday, July 15, caused quite a stir on social media immediately after. Baseball fans are still buzzing about it. Many users on X, formerly Twitter, drew comparisons between her performance and Fergie’s rendition at the 2018 NBA All-Star game.”
Criticism of Andress’ rendition wasn’t limited to social media alone.
“My ears are bleeding. One of the worst national anthem renditions ever,” remarked Houston Astros writer Michael Schwab.
“Fergie watching Ingrid Andress claim her crown for worst national anthem of all time,” tweeted San Francisco Giants player Malik Nabers.
As CBS News noted:
“Andress and Fergie are not the only ones who faced backlash for their anthem performances. In 1990, Roseanne Barr’s rendition at a San Diego Padres game received criticism, though the actress defended her performance. ‘Geez, gimme a break. I was just trying to sing a song,’ she told CBS Los Angeles at the time, as reported by the Roanoke Times. ‘I apologize if people were so appalled.’
