The Home Run Derby and The Worst National Anthem Performances Ever

Over time, Alec Bohm and our other Phillies All-Stars will be memorable with The Worst National Anthem Performances ever.

Alec Bohm delivered an outstanding performance at the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby, captivating fans with his power and precision. From the first swing, Bohm showcased his natural talent and meticulous preparation, consistently launching towering home runs into the stands. The crowd erupted as he smashed home run after home run, adapting to different pitches and performing under pressure.

Bohm’s composure and focus were remarkable, maintaining a steady rhythm and never letting the moment overwhelm him. His demeanor exemplified a seasoned professional, making each home run look effortless.

By the end of the night, Bohm had entertained the fans and set a new benchmark for future participants. His display of power, precision, and poise made the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby a memorable event, ensuring his name will be remembered among the greats of the competition.

However, Alec Bohm’s performance at the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby was undoubtedly impressive, but that was not the most shocking news. The most shocking news was that we witnessed one of the worst National Anthem performances ever.

The Worst National Anthem Performances Ever: Ingrid Andress (2024)

Ingrid Andress began her performance at the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby on a promising note. Her rendition of the National Anthem started smoothly, with a clear and steady voice that seemed to set the stage for a memorable performance. However, as she reached the climactic line, “the rocket’s red glare,” things began to unravel quickly. Her voice wavered, and she struggled to hit the right notes, leading to a visibly uncomfortable moment for the audience. [Watch Video]

The most surprising part came with the line, “O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave.” Andress delivered this in a way no one had ever heard before, introducing unexpected vocal flourishes that left many listeners puzzled and dismayed. The performance was further marred by lackluster daytime fireworks that failed to add any celebratory flair and only highlighted the awkwardness of the moment.

In the aftermath of the performance, Andress issued a heartfelt apology. “That was not me last night,” she wrote in a statement. “I apologize to MLB, all the fans, and this country I love so much for that rendition.” Her words reflected a deep sense of remorse and a recognition of the significance of the anthem at such a high-profile event.

The following day, Andress took to social media to reveal that she had been under the influence of alcohol during her performance. She announced that she was entering a rehab facility to address her struggles with substance abuse. Her candid admission and commitment to seeking help garnered support from fans and the broader community, who appreciated her honesty and wished her well on her journey to recovery.

More of The Worst National Anthem Performances Ever

Roseanne Barr (1990)

One of the worst National Anthem performances ever occurred in 1990 when comedian Roseanne Barr sang before a San Diego Padres vs. Cincinnati Reds MLB game. Barr’s rendition was off-key, and her antics, including grabbing her crotch and spitting on the ground, were seen as highly disrespectful. This performance received widespread criticism from fans and public figures alike. [Watch Video]

Carl Lewis (1993)

Another entry in the list of the worst National Anthem performances ever is Carl Lewis’s 1993 rendition at a New Jersey Nets vs. Chicago Bulls NBA game. The Olympic gold medalist struggled with missed notes and off-key singing. Halfway through the song, Lewis himself acknowledged the poor performance, promising the audience, “Uh-oh, I’ll make up for it now,” but it didn’t improve much from there. [Watch Video]

Fergie (2018)

Singer Fergie’s attempt to deliver a jazzy and sultry version of the anthem at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game is also considered one of the worst National Anthem performances ever. The unusual arrangement and her vocal delivery did not resonate with the audience, leading to awkward reactions from players and widespread criticism on social media. [Watch Video]

Michael Bolton (2003)

Michael Bolton’s 2003 performance at the ALCS Game between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees ranks among the worst National Anthem performances ever. Bolton forgot the lyrics during his performance and had to glance at his hand for the words, causing an embarrassing moment. Additionally, his vocal delivery was criticized as overly dramatic. [Watch Video]

Christina Aguilera (2011)

Christina Aguilera’s 2011 Super Bowl XLV rendition is frequently cited as one of the worst National Anthem performances ever. Known for her powerful voice, Aguilera stumbled over the lyrics, replacing “O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming” with “What so proudly we watched, at the twilight’s last reaming.” The error was widely noticed and criticized. [Watch Video]

These performances have become memorable for all the wrong reasons, illustrating the pressure and scrutiny that come with performing the National Anthem at high-profile events. You can’t win them all, and for everyone’s sake, this week was a bad week for American ears.

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