Grammy-Nominated Singer Criticized for National Anthem at MLB Home Run Derby

Country music singer-songwriter Ingrid Andress is under fire for her rendition of the national anthem at the MLB Home Run Derby in Arlington, Texas, on Monday night. The four-time Grammy Award-nominated artist took the field at Globe Life Field before the competition began, but her performance quickly drew harsh criticism on social media.

Andress's rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” was compared to Fergie's infamous 2018 NBA All-Star Game performance and Maya Rudolph's parody on "SNL." Viewers took to X to express their disappointment.

• “My ears are bleeding. One of the worst national anthem renditions ever,” wrote one user.

• “Fergie watching Ingrid Andress claim her crown for worst national anthem of all time,” another echoed.

• Sports Illustrated writer Alex Carr commented, “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.”

Andress, 32, gained recognition with her breakthrough 2019 single “More Hearts Than Mine,” which peaked at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her 2022 single “Wishful Drinking” also entered the Billboard Hot 100. She has received Grammy nominations for Best New Artist, Best Country Album ("Lady Like"), and Best Country Song ("More Hearts Than Mine") in 2021, and Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "Wishful Drinking" in 2022.

The backlash comes just after Andress announced new music. She shared with her 329,000 Instagram followers, “Greetings to everyone that has a pulse. I truly love you all so much. I’ve been absent for a minute, but I’m so stoked to announce that my new single ‘Colorado 9’ comes out on July 24th, pre-save it now (link in bio).”

“To celebrate, I’m playing two very special shows, one in Nashville, this Wednesday, July 17th, at Row One, and one in Denver on Wednesday, July 24th, at Globe Hall,” she continued. “Thank you for being here for me even though I’ve been living under a rock. Y’all are the best and I can’t wait to see you at my shows (stay tuned for more show announcements soon).”

Despite the criticism, Andress remains focused on her music career, looking forward to the release of her new single and upcoming performances.

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