The 5 worst national anthems in sports history, from Ingrid Andress to Fergie to Carl Lewis

OK, look: singing the national anthem at a sporting event is an honor, and I’d add that The Star-Spangled Banner is a tough song to sing in general.

But sometimes? Well, you get a performance that leaves everyone on social media wondering “What was that?” or famous people in attendance trying to suppress a chuckle or two. Hey, it happens! Sometimes these folks interpret the song … differently.

So here’s a look at a few of the performances at events that have elicited that reaction, and they’re in no particular order. Here are the worst national anthem performances we’ve see in sports history:

1. Ingrid Andress, 2024 Home Run Derby

Alec Bohm reacted to this.

2. Fergie, 2018 NBA All-Star Game

At least we got some good remixes out of it.

3. Carl Lewis, Chicago Bulls vs. New Jersey Nets in 1993

This led to Charlie Steiner’s “Francis Scott OFF-Key” line. Classic.

4. Rosanne Barr, San Diego Padres vs. Cincinnati Reds, 1990

People forget this happened. But it did.

5. Steven Tyler, 2001 Indianapolis 500

It’s not the worst rendition, but, buddy: never change the words!