Ingrid Andress, a four-time Grammy-nominated country singer, faced significant backlash following her performance of the national anthem at the 2024 Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
🚨#BREAKING: Watch as 4 time Grammy Nominated Ingrid Andress Criticized for Worst ever National Anthem Performance at the opening of the MLB Home Run Derby
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) July 16, 2024
⁰📌#Arlington | #Texas⁰⁰Before hitters could step into the batter's box for the 2024 Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field… pic.twitter.com/vQjhbfXJo8
Andress, known for hits like “More Hearts Than Mine” and her collaboration with Sam Hunt on “Wishful Drinking,” admitted she was intoxicated during the performance. The following day, she posted a candid apology on social media, revealing her inebriation and announcing her decision to enter a rehabilitation facility to address her issues with alcohol.
Andress’s performance led to visible reactions from MLB players and a flurry of commentary on social media, with many noting the difficulty some had in maintaining their composure during her rendition. Her performance of The Star-Spangled Banner drew comparisons to other infamous performances, such as those by Fergie at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game and Roseanne Barr at a 1990 Padres game, both of which were widely criticized.
6 years ago, Fergie sang the national anthem at the NBA All Star Game pic.twitter.com/R5DryrSglU
— popculture (@notgwendalupe) February 18, 2024
Everyone is talking about the how badly the singing of the anthem was all time awful! 1990 Roseanne Barr Sings National Anthem at Padres Game #mlb #MLBAllStarGame #NationalAnthem #awful #America #Roseanne #Unbelievable pic.twitter.com/kyuedvtxiJ
— TheSiskoGGs ♈ (@TheSiskoGGs) July 16, 2024
Born in 1991, Andress gained initial fame from her appearances on the NBC capella competition “The Sing-Off.” She later found success in the country music industry, releasing her debut album “Lady Like” in 2020, which topped Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart. Her recent works include the 2022 album “Good Person” and the upcoming single “Colorado 9,” set to release next week. Despite the recent controversy, Andress has shows scheduled in Nashville and Denver, though it remains uncertain if these will proceed as planned.
Following the backlash, Andress expressed her sincere apologies to Major League Baseball, the fans, and the country, acknowledging that the performance did not represent her true self. She ended her statement with a hopeful note about her upcoming rehab, indicating a commitment to addressing her issues and returning to her career stronger.
