Ingrid Andress' New Nickname After Botched Performance: 'Francis Scott Off-Key'

On Monday night, Ingrid Andress stole the spotlight on social media with her conversation-worthy performance of the National Anthem at MLB's Home Run Derby. While her rendition certainly got everyone talking, it took a turn when some fans compared it to Fergie's unforgettable 2018 version.

The Blast's Editor-in-Chief watched Ingrid Andress perform live last night and instantly knew something was off. While discussing the botched performance today a family member, Ian Minner, said Ingrid's new nickname should be "Francis Scott Off-Key." Now, we're not trying to kick Francis while his bridge is down...this isn't his fault at all - but this recent event just seems a little 'off-key' overall. Claiming Andress was drunk might be the perfect PR solution to get her out of this nightmare and perhaps save her career.

Of course if Andress is actually struggling with alcohol (which is believable given her performance), we wish her the best. However, her comment saying, "I'll let y'all know how rehab is I hear it's super fun." doesn't bode well for the four-time Grammy nominee and makes us think twice.

It seems Ingrid Andress isn’t the only one who’s faced the “off-key” critique during an anthem performance! In the unforgettable words of Charley Steiner, we can’t forget Carl Lewis, who came up with the nickname “Francis Scott Off-Key.” His rendition of the National Anthem, which took place in 1993 before a New Jersey Nets game, definitely made waves—and not the good kind!

"That anthem brings to mind an all-time Charley Steiner moment, coming out of the Carl Lewis national anthem in the 1990s: 'Written by Francis Scott ‘Off’ Key,'" one X user wrote after seeing Ingrid's Home Run Derby performance.

Another user shared a video of Ingrid's performance, writing, "This rendition of the Star Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Off-Key."

"Last night's anthem reminds me of the greatest clip from SportsCenter's history," one X user said as they shared a video of Charley Steiner's performance.

"Worse than Carl Lewis," another individual said.

After her performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Monday's Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Ingrid Andress took to social media to share her apologies.

"I'm not gonna bullsh-t y'all, I was drunk last night," she wrote in a statement on Instagram on Tuesday. "I'm checking myself into a facility today to get the help I need. That was not me last night."

"I apologize to MLB, all the fans, and this country I love so much for that rendition. I'll let y'all know how rehab is I hear it's super fun," she added.

Interestingly, some conversations took a more serious turn as people connected her performance to the recent attempted assassination of Donald Trump over the weekend.

"Tough week to be an ear in America," one X user wrote, referring to Trump's right ear, which was grazed with a bullet in the shooting, and to Ingrid's botched performance, leaving "ears bleeding" across the Nation.

According to The Blast, the 78-year-old presidential candidate was speaking at a rally for just 10 minutes when chaos erupted as shots were fired. One bullet came alarmingly close, grazing his right ear and leaving the side of his face bloodied.

"Saying 'ears are bleeding' will forever be associated with Trump," another social media user said.

"That was a pretty bad performance! It was real hard to listen to," one individual said.

"A little 'off pitch,'" another said, adding two baseball emojis as a pun, since the performance took place at the Home Run Derby. "Sing it right or not at all," they added.

"What a disgrace. What, was she a pinch hitter for real talent? That physically hurt to listen to," another expressed.

"Yeah that was really bad," one X user said.

After Ingrid released an apology for her botched performance, she received support from various other artists, actors, and fans, including Kristen Chenoweth, who commented, "It will be ok! You are doing what you need to do. A proud moment."

Julia Michaels expressed, "Love you girl. I’m sorry you’re going through this And I’m sorry the world can be so cruel. Here for you xx."

In 2019, Ingrid Andress hit a major milestone with her breakthrough single "More Hearts Than Mine," achieving double platinum status! She is also a four-time GRAMMY nominee.