WORST NATIONAL ANTHEM PERFORMANCES OF ALL TIME: FROM INGRID ANDRESS BUTCHERING THE HOME RUN DERBY TO FERGIE'S NBA ALL-STAR DISASTER

Matt Case - July 16th, 2024

The Worst National Anthem Performances of All Time

NEW YORK — "The Star-Spangled Banner" is notoriously difficult for even the best performers. The song’s required vocal range challenges singers to the limits of their voices, and starting on the wrong note can lead to disaster. The song's length has also led to forgotten lyrics on occasion.

Because of these challenges, there have been many botched renditions of the national anthem. From Roseanne Barr’s infamous screech to Fergie’s sultry disaster, to the recent debacle by Ingrid Andress, let’s take a look back at the worst renditions of the national anthem.

Roseanne Barr, 1990

Imagine singing the national anthem so poorly that the President of the United States (George H.W. Bush, in this case) calls it "disgraceful." Comedian Roseanne Barr gained notoriety for her quick wit and trademark high-pitched laugh and voice—great for comedy, but terrible for the national anthem.

 

Carl Lewis, 1993

The only non-entertainer on this list, Carl Lewis, went into this song with the confidence of the fastest man on the planet but faltered. From asking the crowd if they’re ready to his long opening and closing notes, and his infamous "uh oh" when he botched "red glare," this rendition is hilariously bad.

 

Kat DeLuna, 2008

This performance is decently sung but all over the place. The Dallas Cowboys invited then 20-year-old pop up-and-comer Kat DeLuna to sing the anthem before their game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Her performance, filled with confusing vocal runs, led to a cascade of boos from the old Texas Stadium crowd.

 

Fergie, 2018

Considered by many as the worst national anthem performance ever, former Black Eyed Peas member Fergie took a unique approach at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game. Her breathy, slowed-down, bluesy rendition seemed out of place. The reactions from Chance the Rapper, Steph Curry, and Draymond Green throughout the performance highlight why it was panned.

 

Ingrid Andress, 2024

It might be too early to crown this as the worst national anthem performance of all time, but Ingrid Andress’s rendition at the MLB Home Run Derby in Texas is certainly a contender. Her performance featured excessive vocal fry and pitch issues. Like Fergie, Andress’s breathy style clashed with the event's tone. Despite her attempt, she failed to hit the high notes, leading to audible reactions from the crowd and even laughter from Phillies star Alec Bohm.

These performances have earned their place in the annals of national anthem history for all the wrong reasons.