Country star Ingrid Andress has made a shocking confession on her social media accounts, revealing that she was intoxicated while singing the National Anthem before baseball’s annual Home Run Derby on Monday night. She also announced her intention to check into a rehab facility following the backlash over her performance.
“I won’t lie, I was drunk last night,” Andress wrote on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). “I’m checking myself into a facility today to get the help I need. That wasn’t me last night. I apologize to MLB, all the fans, and this country I love so much for that rendition. I’ll let you know how rehab goes. I hear it’s super fun,” she concluded, signing off with “xo, Ingrid.”
There had been private speculation that Andress was dealing with more than just in-ear monitor issues during her performance at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Many viewers considered it the worst rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” they had heard before a major sports event. Her performance was marked by being wildly off-key throughout — a stark contrast to her reputation as an accomplished singer-songwriter.
Fellow musicians expressed their support in comments on her social media posts. Julia Michaels wrote, “Love you girl. I’m sorry you’re going through this. And I’m sorry the world can be so cruel. Here for you xx.” Fellow country star Carly Pearce added, “I’m sending you love, Ingrid. Being this open takes a lot. You’ve got this. Hang in there.”
Social media was quick to criticize Andress’s performance, drawing comparisons to Fergie’s infamous rendition at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game and Roseanne Barr’s notorious version at a Padres game in 1990.
Earlier on Monday, Andress had sent a letter to her email mailing list, previewing her upcoming single, “Colorado 9,” scheduled for release on July 24. In the letter, she confessed to struggling with depression after severing ties with some people involved in her career’s beginnings, but stated she found peace after spending time in her native Colorado.
The letter said, “I had to part ways with some people who’ve helped me make a name for myself. It sent me into what my country America calls ‘depression,’ but I’m not a doctor. I was at the lowest point ever, so I decided to go back to Colorado. Sometimes all it takes is time in your hometown to remember who you are, and you start to be proud of the person you’ve become. I hope everyone has their own Colorado to return to when feeling lost.”
Since the release of her second album “Good Person” in 2022, Andress has been opening for major rock and pop acts in amphitheaters and arenas. She performed with Stevie Nicks late last year and Alanis Morissette last month, including at the CMA Festival in Nashville.
Andress has been nominated for four Grammys, including Best New Artist in 2021. Her breakthrough single, “More Hearts Than Mine,” was a top 5 country song in 2019, followed by another top 5 hit, “Wishful Drinking,” a duet with Sam Hunt in 2021.
Before starting her solo career with the 2020 debut album “Lady Like,” Andress was known as a songwriter for other artists, co-writing songs for Charli XCX, Bebe Rexha, Fletcher, LANY, and others.
Andress’s admission echoes a similar incident involving Elle King, who also performed poorly while intoxicated at the Grand Ole Opry. Unlike Andress, King did not seek rehab or apologize but canceled some concert dates and later addressed the incident on social media.
Andress’s upcoming single and her decision to enter rehab mark significant steps in her journey toward recovery and redemption.