A viral moment emerged from Monday night’s Home Run Derby even before the game got underway. Grammy-nominated artist Ingrid Andress performed the national anthem at the event held on July 15 in Arlington, Texas, and her rendition has been widely criticized on social media.
The 32-year-old singer delivered an a cappella version of the anthem at Globe Life Field, but her interpretation included unconventional variations that did not sit well with the audience.
“My ears are bleeding,” one viewer commented on X. “One of the worst national anthem renditions ever.”
Another simply noted, “Well that was different.”
A user named 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.”
Many on social media likened her performance to Fergie’s controversial rendition of the national anthem at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game. Fergie faced extensive criticism at the time for her slower, jazz-influenced take on the anthem.
“Fergie watching Ingrid Andress claim her crown for worst anthem of all time,” one viewer tweeted Monday.
Another added, “With all due respect, and I mean this sincerely, this is the worst anthem I’ve ever heard. Fergie would’ve been an upgrade.”
Andress, a singer-songwriter, has enjoyed a number of hit songs and released two albums since her breakout single “More Hearts Than Mine” reached No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2020. She has earned four Grammy nominations to date, the most recent for her 2021 duet “Wishful Drinking” with Sam Hunt. Her next single, “Colorado 9,” is set to be released on July 24.