5 Worst National Anthem Ever Performed Including Classic Rock Artist

National anthems are meant to inspire pride and unite people, especially when performed at significant events. But sometimes, the rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” can go terribly wrong. Here are five of the worst national anthem performances, including some from classic rock artists, that left audiences cringing.

Roseanne Barr – 1990 San Diego Padres Game

On July 25, 1990, comedian Roseanne Barr was given the honor of singing the national anthem at a San Diego Padres game. Known for her distinctive voice and bold persona, Barr’s rendition quickly turned into a trainwreck. She screeched and wailed her way through the song, hitting all the wrong notes and leaving the crowd in disbelief. The performance didn’t stop there; she ended it with a controversial gesture by grabbing her crotch and spitting, which only made things worse.

As soon as she finished, boos erupted from the crowd, and the backlash was immediate. The media panned her performance, calling it disrespectful and tasteless. Barr later claimed she was trying to be funny, but the audience wasn’t amused, solidifying this performance as one of the worst renditions of the national anthem ever.

Fergie – 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend

Fergie’s performance at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game is infamous for its odd style and delivery. Trying to add a jazzy twist to the anthem, she crooned and dragged out the notes in a way no one expected. What was meant to be a unique rendition turned into a cringe-worthy spectacle, leaving both the players and the audience puzzled.

The performance quickly went viral, but for all the wrong reasons. Memes and clips of the players’ confused and amused reactions flooded social media. Even Fergie realized something was off, issuing an apology afterward. Her well-meaning but poorly executed effort left a mark, making it one of the most awkward anthem performances to date.

Scott Stapp – 2005 NASCAR Ford 400

Scott Stapp, the lead singer of Creed, is known for his deep, powerful voice, but his 2005 national anthem performance at the NASCAR Ford 400 was a far cry from his usual hits. Struggling to find the right pitch, Stapp’s rendition was filled with severed notes and growling tones that didn’t fit the solemn context of the anthem. His voice, which works well for rock ballads, failed miserably in this setting.

Fans and viewers were quick to criticize, pointing out that his performance was more suited for a rock concert than a patriotic moment. The lack of melody and rhythm made it hard to listen to, leaving a lasting impression as one of the worst anthem renditions at a sporting event.

Steven Tyler – 2001 Indianapolis 500 & 2012 AFC Championship Game

Steven Tyler, the iconic frontman of Aerosmith, has a voice that’s perfect for rock anthems but not for “The Star-Spangled Banner.” His 2001 performance at the Indianapolis 500 was marred by his raspy voice and unconventional delivery. Tyler’s rock-star antics, like shouting and altering notes, didn’t translate well, making the anthem sound disjointed and forced.

Despite the criticism, Tyler gave it another shot in 2012 at the AFC Championship Game. Unfortunately, history repeated itself. His performance was again off-key, and he even messed up some of the lyrics, adding to the cringe factor. It was clear that while Tyler is a legend in rock music, the national anthem was not his forte.

Ingrid Andress – 2024 MLB Home Run Derby

Country singer Ingrid Andress took the stage at the Home Run Derby on July 15, 2024, hoping to deliver a memorable performance. Sadly, it was memorable for all the wrong reasons. Andress stumbled through the anthem, missing several notes and struggling to stay in tune. Her off-key rendition left both fans and commentators in shock, quickly becoming a viral moment for its sheer awkwardness.

The day after the performance, Andress revealed on social media that she was intoxicated during the event. She apologized to her fans and announced she would be entering rehab. This added a layer of seriousness to the debacle, turning what could have been a laughable mistake into a sobering moment of reflection.