Ingrid Andress fans leap to her DEFENSE after disastrous national anthem performance at MLB Home Run Derby
Country singer Ingrid Andress received heavy criticism for her performance of The Star Spangled Banner ahead of Monday’s Home Run Derby. However, not all the reactions were so scathing.
The four-time Grammy-nominated singer sang what has been described as “the worst national anthem ever,” attempting to belt out Francis Scott Key’s lyrics in a shrill, off-key manner.
One player, Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies, at least tried to suppress his smile, but on social media he managed it without any problems.
Users of X, formerly known as Twitter, immediately attacked the 32-year-old, with some even making vague references to the failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
But despite all the online criticism, some users, although in a large minority, took action for Andress.
Ingrid Andress received fierce criticism on Monday for her performance of the national anthem
A couple tried to justify her performance, claiming she was nervous.
“Just nervous,” one user insisted, while another added: “I feel sorry for her now… she must have been nervous.”
Another blamed technical issues at Globe Life Field in Arlington for the poor performance.
“There must be something wrong with her monitors in her ears. That can really mess up your tone,” they claimed.
Others were not necessarily positive about Andress’ performance, but expressed their sympathy for the singer despite the negative reactions.
“I feel so bad for her,” one user wrote, while another echoed the sentiment, posting, “Oh Lord. I feel kinda sorry for her. Stuff like this can ruin a career.”
While some tried to defend Andress, several critics were reminded of other nightmarish performances of national anthems, such as those by Roseanne Barr, Carl Lewis and Fergie.
Barr came under intense criticism after she intentionally ignored the national anthem before a San Diego Padres game in 1990. She ended her performance by screaming the last few notes and then grabbing her crotch.
Despite her sharp actions, a minority of social media users came to her aid
Andress, a Grammy-nominated country singer, performed for the MLB Home Run Derby
Barr later claimed that she was merely imitating a baseball player with this gesture.
Three years later, there were cheers when Olympic sprinter Carl Lewis performed his infamous rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner during a game between the Nets and the Bulls in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Fergie, a singer with the Black Eyed Peas, nearly lost her voice while singing the national anthem during the 2018 NBA All-Star Game.
She later apologized to her fans.