Ingrid Andress Criticized for National Anthem Performance at 2024 MLB Home Run Derby

Country singer-songwriter Ingrid Andress kicked off the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby with a rendition of the national anthem that is receiving major criticism on social media. If you’re not familiar with Andress, you likely will be soon, as her performance is making waves across various media platforms.

Ingrid Andress, a four-time Grammy-nominated artist, is best known for her singles “More Hearts Than Mine,” which reached #30 on the Billboard Top 100, and “Wishful Drinking,” which peaked at #47. She has also co-written songs for artists like Charli XCX, Why Don’t We, Halestorm, Bebe Rexha, and Lauren Jenkins.

While Andress has enjoyed success with her singles, her albums have not made a significant impact on the charts. Critics often note that her music, though competent, lacks standout qualities in the crowded pop-country genre.

Andress’s rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner at the Home Run Derby has been widely panned, with many calling it one of the worst performances in recent memory. The primary issues stemmed from her overuse of vocal fry and difficulty hitting the high notes. Her voice frequently broke throughout the performance, suggesting either vocal issues or a lack of range.

Despite these challenges, Andress attempted to hit the high notes with determination, often to her detriment. The most unfortunate moment came during the final stanza, “O’er the land of the free.” Realizing she couldn’t sustain the necessary high note, she awkwardly transitioned down the scale, resulting in a distinctly off-key finish.

Fortunately for Andress, her performance, while poor, has not reached the infamy of previous national anthem renditions by Fergie and Roseanne Barr. As of now, Andress has not released a statement regarding the backlash.

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