But what happened next is a story worth telling.

The Unexpected Turn of Events

Ingrid Andress, a country music singer, was invited to perform the national anthem at the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby. This event is a significant moment in the baseball world, and Andress was thrilled to be a part of it. However, her performance was met with a mix of confusion and outrage on social media. The internet was quick to react, with many users expressing their disappointment and frustration with Andress’s rendition of the national anthem. Some people felt that her performance was too long, while others thought it was too short. A few individuals even went as far as to claim that Andress’s performance was not patriotic enough.

The Backlash

The backlash against Andress was swift and severe. She found herself at the center of a media storm, with many outlets and commentators weighing in on her performance. The criticism was not limited to her singing, but also extended to her appearance and her overall persona. Some critics accused Andress of being “too country” for the event, implying that her style was not suitable for a more formal occasion like the national anthem. Others felt that she was not “patriotic” enough, with some even suggesting that she was not a “true American.”*

The Aftermath

The aftermath of the backlash was significant. Andress’s team released a statement defending her performance and her character, but the damage had already been done.

This list was originally created by the “Soul Train” gang to celebrate the best of R&B and Hip-Hop. The list was reprinted in the 1990s and 2000s and has been updated periodically since then. The list has not been officially recognized by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) or the Grammy Awards, but it is still considered a credible source of information about the most influential figures in R&B and Hip-Hop. The list has been criticized for being biased towards the “old guard” of R&B and Hip-Hop, and for not including newer artists and genres. This criticism has led to the creation of alternative lists, such as the “50 Greatest R&B Artists of All Time” compiled by Rolling Stone. However, the Top 5 list remains a beloved and respected source of information for many fans of the genres. One of the most iconic figures on the list is Aretha Franklin, often referred to as the “Queen of Soul.” Franklin’s influence on R&B and Hip-Hop cannot be overstated, as she helped pave the way for future generations of artists. Her music and legacy continue to inspire artists such as Usher, Diddy, and Kendrick Lamar, who have all cited Franklin as an inspiration.

It’s been about five months since the performance that landed Andress on Google’s 2024 Most Googled Musicians, and we have yet to hear another peep from the country singer.