Friday, June 20th, 2025

Ingrid Andress Faces Backlash for Off-Key National Anthem at MLB Home Run Derby

Country singer Ingrid Andress took center stage at this year’s MLB Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, to perform the U.S. national anthem — but the performance didn’t go as planned. Instead of rousing patriotic emotions, the rendition left many in the crowd bewildered and sparked an immediate reaction online.

Andress, a four-time Grammy nominee, was invited to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” to open the high-profile event. However, as she began singing, she noticeably missed several notes, leading to awkward expressions from players on the field and an avalanche of criticism on social media.

Viewers and attendees quickly drew comparisons to past infamous renditions of the anthem. Some likened the performance to Fergie’s heavily mocked 2018 NBA All-Star Game version, while others pointed out similarities to Roseanne Barr’s controversial 1990 performance during a San Diego Padres game — both widely considered low points in national anthem history.

The performance instantly went viral, with clips circulating across platforms and drawing reactions ranging from disbelief to humour. While some defended Andress, suggesting technical issues or nerves may have played a part, others questioned why such a seasoned performer struggled with the iconic anthem.

Born in Michigan and raised in Colorado, Andress has built a strong reputation in the country music scene. Her debut album Lady Like was released in March 2020 and received critical acclaim. She followed it with Good Person in 2022, which helped solidify her status in the industry. Notably, she charted on the Billboard Hot 100 with two songs: “More Hearts Than Mine,” which reached No. 30, and “Wishful Drinking,” a collaboration with Sam Hunt that peaked at No. 47.

Her accolades include four Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist, Best Country Song, and Best Country Album in 2021. In 2023, her duet with Hunt was also recognized with a nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.

Despite the rocky performance, Andress is moving forward with new music. Earlier on the day of the Home Run Derby, she announced her upcoming single “Colorado 9,” set to drop on July 24. She’s also scheduled to perform live in Nashville on July 17 and in Denver on the release date of her new song.

While the national anthem may not have hit the right notes, Andress’s fans remain eager to see what her next musical chapter holds.