Who is Ingrid Andress, the country singer who sang the national anthem at the MLB Home Run Derby?

Country singer Ingrid Andress became known for her widely criticized performance of the national anthem at the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

On Monday night, the four-time Grammy nominee belted out an a cappella version of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” an incredibly challenging song, and clips of her less popular rendition have since made the rounds on social media.

Who is Ingrid Andress?

Andress, 32, began her songwriting career in Nashville, writing songs for artists across all genres, including Bebe Rexha’s “Girl in the Mirror,” Halestorm’s “Conflicted” and the critically acclaimed “Boys,” which became an international hit for British singer Charli XCX.

Soon after, she signed a deal with Warner Music Nashville and Atlantic Records for her own music and released her debut album, Lady Like, in 2020. Her breakthrough single, “More Hearts Than Mine,” followed the release, peaking at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

In 2021, she released her second most successful song to date, the country radio favorite “Wishful Drinking,” a collaboration with singer Sam Hunt. The song also spent 20 weeks on the charts, peaking at number 47.

Her second album “Good Person” was released in 2022.

What was the reaction to your performance at the MLB Home Run Derby?

Andress’s performance quickly made the rounds on social media. Sports Illustrated writer Alex Carr posted on X, formerly Twitter: “I am so sorry. I’m sure Ingrid Andress is a wonderful person, but that was one of the worst national anthems I have ever heard in my entire life.”

Vulture blogger Bethy Squires joked that Andress sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” “in italics,” a reference to a neologism popular on the Internet that refers to pop singers who stretch vowels to emphasize the sound of their voice.

Chris Wright, editor-in-chief of Saturday Down South, was a little more sensitive: “I like Ingrid Andress’ music and have seen her in concert,” he wrote on X. “After listening to the national anthem, I have a whole new respect for her producers and sound team. Wow.”

Did she answer?

A spokesman for Andress did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ request for comment.

This is not the first time that a performance of the national anthem has been panned.

In the pantheon of the most controversial interpretations of the national anthem at sporting events, Roseanne Barr’s rendition at a San Diego Padres game in 1990 and Fergie’s at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game sparked similar reactions.

After her performance, Fergie released a statement: “It has always been an honor and pride for me to sing the national anthem and last night I wanted to try something special for the NBA,” said the Grammy winner. “I like to take risks artistically, but this performance clearly did not hit the intended tone. I love this country and I honestly did my best.”

Barr responded to Fergie’s performance, writing on Twitter at the time: “Who saw Fergie’s performance of the national anthem at the NBA All Star Game? I think mine was more subtle.”