Why Ingrid Andress' National Anthem Performance Is Sparking Debate

Ingrid Andress’ rendition of the National Anthem was not so proudly hailed. 

The four-time Grammy nominee stirred debate with her unique styling of the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the Home Run Derby in Arlington, Texas July 15. 

The 32-year-old put her own twist on the anthem, moving the octave up and down in a stylistic manner that didn’t quite suit everyone’s taste. And Major League Baseball fans were quick to take to online platforms to discuss. 

“I'm sure Ingrid Andress is a wonderful person,” one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter, following the singer’s performance. “But that was one of the worst national anthems I think I've ever heard in my whole life.”

Elsewhere online, the “Wishful Drinking” singer’s performance was compared to Maya Rudolph’s satire of the National Anthem in a 2006 sketch for Saturday Night Live. Attaching the clip of the comedian’s performance—in which she delivers the verses in over-the-top note changes—for season 32 of the live show, another user quipped, “Live shot of Ingrid Andress singing the national anthem.”

Other spectators noted that the country singer—who is currently promoting her new single “Colorado 9” out July 24—does not normally carry such an octave-jumping tune. 

“I've heard her sing live before and she has a decent voice,” another X poster argued. “There has to be a reason for why this national anthem is so bizarre.”

Of course, Ingrid is far from the only singer who has stirred controversy with her delivery of the well-known song. For one, many joked online that Ingrid has finally taken the attention away from Fergie’s delivery of the ballad at the 2018 NBA All-Star game. After all, reactions to the Black Eyed Peas singer’s rendition were so negative at the time that she later issued a response. 

“I’ve always been honored and proud to perform the national anthem and last night I wanted to try something special for the NBA,” the 49-year-old said in a statement. “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.”

E! News has reached out to reps for Ingrid but has not yet heard back.