The 2024 Home Run Derby kicked off with an unexpected twist — and it wasn’t the long balls.
Country singer Ingrid Andress’s rendition of the national anthem at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, sparked a firestorm of criticism across social media on Monday. The backlash was swift and severe, with many viewers taking to platforms to express their dismay.
“That rendition of the national anthem was more harmful to America than Pearl Harbor,” lamented one commenter on X, capturing the magnitude of the online uproar.
Another user didn’t mince words: “New awful national anthem just dropped.”
And another chimed in, “The worst National Anthem I’ve ever heard.”
This was quite the national anthem performed by Ingrid Andress 😅 pic.twitter.com/i6Diwe9DYW
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) July 16, 2024
Andress, a four-time Grammy Award nominee known for her vocal prowess, found herself in a storm comparable to some infamous anthem mishaps of the past. Roseanne Barr’s infamous 1990 rendition at a San Diego Padres game, complete with unconventional gestures and off-key shouting, remains a benchmark for controversial anthem performances.
Joining this dubious list is pop singer Fergie, whose 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend rendition received scathing reviews for its unconventional style. Reflecting on the backlash, Fergie later expressed regret, stating, “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.”
Despite the anthem controversy, the Home Run Derby continued, showcasing thrilling performances on the field. Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez emerged victorious, outslugging Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. in a thrilling final round decided by a single home run.
As the sports world grappled with the aftermath of Andress’s polarizing performance, the focus shifted to the impressive athletic displays that defined the Derby. Yet, Andress’s anthem misstep ensured that the event’s start was marked not only by sporting prowess but also by a moment that will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come, albeit for all the wrong reasons.
The incident serves as a reminder of the anthem’s significance in American sports culture and the impassioned reactions it can evoke. For Andress, known for her musical achievements, navigating the fallout from this performance may require a different kind of pitch-perfect recovery.
As the debate rages on social media, one thing remains clear: in the realm of national anthem performances, striking the right chord is more crucial than ever.
