Last night, Ingrid Andress took the stage at the MLB Home Run Derby and gave a performance that no one could stop talking about. She sang the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and from the very first note, it was clear this would be a version to remember.
The audience at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, was buzzing, and the reactions came in fast—some calling it incredible, others… not so much.
Ingrid, a four-time Grammy nominee, kicked off the night with her bold take on the anthem. Many fans were blown away. One even took to Twitter and said, “Wow! @IngridAndress actually did it, she united America #HRDerby.” It was a powerful statement that spoke to the impact of her performance.
But as soon as she finished, the internet exploded with mixed reactions. Some couldn’t help but compare her performance to past ones. A Twitter user, thinking back to Fergie’s infamous 2018 NBA All-Star Game anthem, joked, “I think we all owe Fergie an apology.” Another tweeted, “Made Fergie sound like Whitney Houston.”
However, not everyone was laughing. Some critics didn’t hold back, calling it one of the worst renditions they had ever heard. “Worst National Anthem I’ve ever heard. Just disrespectful,” one harsh review read. Another person chimed in, suggesting, “I hope Ingrid Andress stays off social media for a while.”
Even fans who liked Ingrid felt let down by this particular performance. One disappointed fan shared, “I’m so sorry, I’m sure Ingrid Andress is a wonderful person, but that was one of the worst national anthems I’ve ever heard.”
It’s no secret that “The Star-Spangled Banner” is one of the hardest songs to sing. With its challenging vocal range and emotional weight, it’s a risky song for any artist to perform live. One person even suggested, “Maybe they should just use a recorded version of one of the best renditions, like Whitney Houston’s, to avoid potential embarrassments.”
No matter how people felt, Ingrid Andress’s performance had everyone talking. Whether loved or hated, her version of the national anthem was unforgettable, sparking debates and conversations that are sure to continue for some time.
