Ingrid Andress — a Colorado-grown singer-songwriter — went viral after her Monday night performance of the national anthem at the 2024 Home Run Derby … for all the wrong reasons.
A video of Andress’ performance was trending on social media before the game even started, with viewers calling it “one of the worst” renditions of “The Star-Spangled Banner” in history.
“My ears are bleeding,” one viewer wrote on X. “One of the worst national anthem renditions ever. Fergie thanks her for taking the prize.”
In a Tuesday morning statement, Andress said she was drunk during the performance.
“I’m checking myself into a facility today to get the help I need,” the 32-year-old singer stated. “That was not me last night. I apologize to MLB, all the fans and this country I love so much for that rendition. I’ll let y’all know how rehab is, I hear it’s super fun.”
Andress sang the anthem a cappella at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, and had a unique take on certain notes throughout the song.
“This person tried to sing the national anthem with a voice so screechy, even the bald eagle covered its ears,” another viewer wrote.
Andress grew up in Highlands Ranch and has released numerous hit songs and two albums since her 2019 breakthrough single “More Hearts Than Mine” hit Number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2020.
The Colorado-grown singer has received four Grammy nominations in her career but has yet to win any. Andress was nominated for Best Country Song, Best Country Album and Best New Artist in 2021, and put up for Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2023.
Many social media users were quick to compare Andress’ Home Run Derby performance to Fergie’s delivery of the national anthem at the NBA All-Star Game in 2018.
“I’ve always been honored and proud to perform the national anthem and last night I wanted to try something special for the NBA,” Fergie said in 2018. “I’m a risk taker artistically, but clearly this rendition didn’t strike the intended tone. I love this country and honestly tried my best.”
Fergie’s slow, bluesy rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the 67th edition of the NBA’s annual showcase wasn’t well received, with fans laughing the singer off the field after her performance.
“After last night’s performance of the national anthem at the Home Run Derby, I believe everyone can agree when I say this… Fergie… you are finally off the hook,” one X user wrote.
“That Ingrid Andress national anthem might have been the worst thing to happen in America in the last 48 hours,” another added.
With a new single set to be released on July 24, Andress had two special concerts lined up.
The country singer was scheduled to take the stage of Nashville’s Row One on Wednesday night, and she had a second show slated for Denver’s Globe Hall on July 24.
As of Tuesday morning, tickets for both shows were no longer available online, though neither venue confirmed Andress’ shows were canceled.
