That “Star-Spangled Banner” does indeed still wave.
Country singer Cody Johnson’s rendition of the national anthem went off without a hitch before Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, much to the relief of the league and its fans.
Johnson’s twangy a capella “Star-Spangled Banner” earned him a hearty applause from the crowd.
All eyes were on Johnson, the 37-year-old Texas native and iHeartRadio’s 2023 Best New Country Artist, after Ingrid Andress’ messy attempt ahead of Monday’s Home Run Derby.
Andress was widely panned for her performance, for which she later apologized, revealing she was drunk at the time and now plans to enter rehab.
“I’m not gonna bulls–t y’all, I was drunk last night,” Andress said in a statement on social media.
“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.”
Andress drew comparisons to the likes of Roseanne Barr and Fergie among the worst sporting event anthems of all time.
MLB opted for a safer choice in tapping Johnson for the All-Star Game, as he’d previously sung the anthem before Game 7 of the 2019 World Series between the Astros and Nationals.
He also threw out the first pitch — and took batting practice — before a Rangers-Mariners game in Texas on April 23.
