Country singer Ingrid Andress has made a shocking revelation on her social media accounts, admitting that she was intoxicated while singing the National Anthem before baseball’s annual Home Run Derby on Monday night and stating that she intends to check into a rehab facility in the aftermath of her disastrous performance.
“I am not going to make any false statements; I was inebriated last night,” she stated on Facebook, Instagram, and X (previously known as Twitter). “I’m checking myself into a facility today to get the assistance I need.” That wasn’t me last night. I apologize to MLB, all of the fans, and our wonderful country for that performance. I’ll let you know how rehab goes. I’ve heard it’s really enjoyable.” She signed the missive. “xo, Ingrid.”
Private speculation had spread that Andress appeared to be suffering from more than just in-ear problems during her performance at the Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, prompting many viewers to say it was the worst version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” they’d heard before a major sporting event. Her version appeared crazily off-key from the time she took the microphone and never recovered, a performance that was out of character for a seasoned singer-songwriter.
In comments on her social media pages, fellow singers expressed their sympathies.
“I love you, girl,” Julia Michaels wrote. “I am sorry you are going through this. And I am sorry the world can be so unkind.” Here for you, xx.”
Fellow country artist Carly Pearce wrote, “I’m sending you love, Ingrid. Being so open requires a lot. You’ve got it.” Remain patient.”
Social media reacted quickly to the performance Monday night, drawing comparisons to Fergie’s terrible live version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game and Roseanne Barr’s notorious delivery of the song at a Padres game in 1990.
Before her performance on Monday, Andress sent an email to her email list, previewing her new song, “Colorado 9,” scheduled for release on July 24. In the message to supporters, she said that she had suffered from despair after ending some of her ties with individuals who had been a part of her career’s beginnings, but that she had lately found peace by returning to her birthplace, Colorado, for a period of time.
The letter stated, in part, “I had to part ways with some people who helped me make a name for myself.” It threw me into what my nation, America, refers to as ‘depression,’ although I’m no doctor. I was at my lowest moment ever, so I chose to return to Colorado, where I grew up. Sometimes all it takes is spending time in your hometown to remind yourself of who you truly are, and you begin to feel proud of the person you have become. I hope everyone has their own Colorado to return to when they feel lost.
Since releasing her well-reviewed second album, “Good Person,” in 2022, Andress has opened for big rock and pop bands in amphitheaters and arenas, including a tour with Stevie Nicks late last year and concerts with Alanis Morissette last month. She also played at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville last month.
Andress has been nominated for four Grammy awards, including best new artist for 2021. In 2019, her breakthrough hit, “More Hearts Than Mine,” peaked at number five on the country charts. In 2021, she successfully followed up with another top five country song, “Wishful Drinking,” a duet with Sam Hunt.
Before establishing her own recording career with the 2020 debut album “Lady Like,” Andress worked as a songwriter for several artists, including Charli XCX’s “Boys” and songs by Bebe Rexha, Fletcher, LANY, and others.
Andress’ performance is the second time a prominent person in country music has acknowledged botching a high-profile concert while inebriated. It comes after Elle King’s sensational homage to Dolly Parton at the Grand Ole Opry on Jan. 19, during which she lost words, spewed vulgarity, and declared from the stage that she was “hammered.” Following those gaffes, King did not enter rehab or embark on an apology tour, but she did postpone several later performance engagements. Instead, she adopted a more combative tone and declared that everything was OK after a private discussion with Parton. “Oh no, that was my human showing,” King said on her Instagram two months after the event, adding, “To everyone sending me love because I’m human and have already spoken with Dolly: I love you. To everyone who advised me to kill myself, I love you too.