Ingrid Andress has responded to criticism over her off-key performance of the national anthem prior to Major League Baseball’s Home Run Derby.
The 32-year-old country singer took to social media to reveal that she was drunk during an extremely off-key rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on Monday night and that she was checking into rehab.
“I’m not kidding you, I was drunk last night,” she wrote in a rack posted on X, formerly Twitter. “I’m going to check myself into a facility today to get the help I need.
“That was not me last night,” the statement continued. “I apologize to MLB, all the fans, and this country that I love for that performance. I will let you know how the rehab goes. I hear it’s been super fun.” She signed the note, “xo, Ingrid.”
There was speculation on social media that the singer had more than just trouble with the microphone in her ear during her performance, which started off off-key, struggled with high notes, and was unbecoming of an artist otherwise known as a professional. Many online called it one of the worst performances of a national anthem ever heard before a major professional sporting event, with some comparing it to Fergie’s disastrous jazzy performance before the 2018 NBA All-Star Game.
Earlier on Monday, Andress sent out a message to her email list with a preview of her upcoming single, Colorado 9. In the email, Varietyshe explained that she had been away from the public eye for a while due to depression after cutting ties with people who had been part of the early days of her career. She said she had found peace by spending time in Colorado.
Andress, born in Southfield, Michigan, and raised in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, has two studio albums to her name, 2020’s Lady Like and 2022’s Good Person, and two Billboard Hot 100-charting singles, More Hearts Than Mine and Wishful Drinking. She also co-wrote Charli XCX’s 2017 hit “Boys” and Bebe Rexha’s “Girl in the Mirror.”
She has earned four Grammy nominations over the course of her career, including Best New Artist in 2021—along with Doja Cat, Phoebe Bridgers and winner Megan Thee Stallion—and Best Country Song. She has toured solo and with artists including Stevie Nicks, Keith Urban, Dan + Shay and Tim McGraw.