Country singer Ingrid Andress has broken her silence after her highly-criticized national anthem performance prior to the MLB Home Run Derby on Monday went viral. Andress made headlines after singing the national anthem at Arlington’s Globe Life Field in Texas, where the All-Star Game is being held this year. Andress’ performance faced backlash from viewers, which was full of missed notes, pitchiness and questionable runs.
Andress, 32, revealed that she was intoxicated while singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and is now checking herself into rehab, sharing in a statement posted via X on Tuesday, July 16: “I’m not gonna bulls–t y’all, I was drunk last night. 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. xo, Ingrid”
Andress released her debut album, Lady Like, in March 2020 and received three Grammy nominations the following year (for Best New Artist, Best Country Song for “More Hearts Than Mine” and Best Country Album for Lady Like). Andress was again nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2023 for “Wishful Drinking,” a collaboration with Sam Hunt from her second album, Good Person.
Per ESPN, Andress is the daughter of former major league strength and conditioning coach Brad Andress, who worked for the Detroit Tigers, Colorado Rockies and New York Mets. Major League Baseball spokesperson Matt Bourne said that the league had no comment, and a representative for Andress said there will be no additional comment at this time.
Just prior to her performance at the Home Run Derby, Andress announced on social media that she has a new song slated to arrive later this month: “Greetings to everyone that has a pulse I truly love you all so much. I’ve been absent for a minute, but I’m so stoked to announce that my new single ‘Colorado 9’ comes out on July 24th, pre-save it now: https://ingridandress.lnk.to/presave-colorado9”
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