Performing a national anthem in front of a large audience is both an honour and a curse. It's a moment of pride and patriotism, but also one of immense pressure.
National anthems are notoriously challenging to sing, often requiring a wide vocal range and precise control.
Even the best singers can find themselves struggling under the weight of expectation. When things go awry, these performances can become cringeworthy, unforgettable moments etched into pop culture history.
Here are five of the worst national anthem performances that went down in history for all the wrong reasons.
1. Roseanne Barr at the San Diego Padres Game (1990)
On July 25, 1990, comedian Roseanne Barr was given the honour of singing the national anthem at a San Diego Padres game. Known for her distinctive voice and brash persona, Barr’s rendition was nothing short of a disaster. She screeched her way through the song, finishing with a controversial gesture that included grabbing her crotch and spitting.
The performance was met with boos from the crowd and widespread criticism, cementing its place as one of the worst national anthem renditions in history.
2. Fergie at the NBA All-Star Game (2018)
Fergie’s national anthem performance at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game is infamous for its unconventional style. Trying to bring a jazzy twist to the "Star-Spangled Banner," Fergie ended up with a rendition that was more awkward than avant-garde.
Her performance sparked an online frenzy, with players like Draymond Green unable to hide their reactions and fans quickly turning to social media to express their bewilderment. The anthem even inspired remixes and became a part of NBA lore.
3. Ingrid Andress at the Home Run Derby (2024)
Country singer Ingrid Andress took the stage at the Home Run Derby on July 15, 2024, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Unfortunately, her performance quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons. Missing several notes and struggling through the "Star-Spangled Banner," Andress's off-key rendition left viewers and commentators aghast.
The following day, Andress revealed on social media that she was intoxicated during the performance and announced her decision to check into a rehab facility. This confession added a layer of poignancy to an already unforgettable moment.
RELATED: The moment this performance went viral, something seemed off about it ...
4. Ryan Michael James at the Toronto Maple Leafs Game (2023)
Ryan Michael James found himself in a tough spot when he was asked to sing both the American and Canadian national anthems before a Toronto Maple Leafs game in Florida. With only two hours' notice and no prior familiarity with "O Canada," James struggled through the performance, forgetting the lyrics and relying on the crowd to help him out.
His apologetic explanation and the humorous backstory, including a shirtless selfie posted an hour before the game, only added to the lore of this awkward anthem fail.
5. The Reklaws at the NHL All-Star Game (2024)
Canadian country duo The Reklaws faced harsh criticism for their rendition of "O Canada" at the 2024 NHL All-Star Game. Their slower, twangy version of the anthem did not sit well with fans, who were quick to express their displeasure on social media.
Despite their success in the Canadian country music scene, The Reklaws' performance was widely panned, and their rendition of the national anthem is unlikely to be remembered fondly.
RELATED: One performance that the Reklaws nailed was their America's Got Talent Audition ...
These performances remind us that singing the national anthem is a high-pressure task that doesn't always go as planned.
Whether it's nerves, lack of preparation, or an ill-advised creative twist, these renditions have earned their place in the hall of fame for anthem mishaps.
