Last night, Ingrid Andress delivered a performance that set the internet on fire at the MLB Home Run Derby. As she stepped up to sing the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the crowd at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, was in for something they wouldn’t forget. But whether it was unforgettable in a good way or a bad way depended on who you asked.
Ingrid, who’s been nominated for four Grammys, started singing, and from the very first notes, it was clear this wouldn’t be your typical anthem performance. Some were completely blown away. One fan immediately jumped on Twitter and exclaimed, “Wow! @IngridAndress actually did it, she united America #HRDerby.”
But not everyone agreed. As soon as her performance ended, the online reactions poured in, and they were far from unanimous. Many fans couldn’t help but compare her to past performances. One person brought up Fergie’s much-criticized rendition from the 2018 NBA All-Star Game, saying, “I think we all owe Fergie an apology.”
Another Twitter user, trying to be funny, said, “Made Fergie sound like Whitney Houston.”
Then came the harsher takes. One critic didn’t hold back at all, writing, “Worst National Anthem I’ve ever heard. Just disrespectful.” Another person chimed in with advice: “I hope Ingrid Andress stays off social media for a while.”
Even some fans who appreciated Ingrid’s talent as an artist admitted they didn’t love this performance. One disappointed listener tweeted, “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 a notoriously difficult song to sing. The wide vocal range and the pressure of performing it live can trip up even the best singers. As one person pointed out, “Maybe they should just use a recorded version of one of the best renditions, like Whitney Houston’s, to avoid potential embarrassments.”
No matter what side of the debate people were on, one thing was for sure—Ingrid Andress’s performance got everyone talking. Whether it’s remembered as bold or blundered, it made waves, and that’s something no one can deny.