Ingrid Andress Reflects on Controversial Anthem Performance and Journey to Recovery

Ingrid Andress Reflects on Controversial Anthem Performance and Journey to Recovery

Country music singer-songwriter Ingrid Andress has opened up about her experience following a controversial national anthem performance at the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby. Nearly a year after she admitted herself to rehab, Andress discussed her journey and the incident that drew widespread criticism.

At 33, Andress appeared on “The Viall Files” podcast this week to share her thoughts on the fallout from her performance at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, which took place in July. During the podcast, Andress described her experience leading up to that day.

“That day started as a very… what seemed like a normal day,” she recalled, noting that she was aware of her drinking but enjoyed the numbing sensation it provided. She confessing to not stopping despite understanding the implications of her actions.

The four-time Grammy nominee revealed that personal issues, including a split with her first manager and a breakup, caused her to indulge in excessive drinking in the months prior to her performance. Despite her inebriated state, she believed she had delivered a solid rendition of the anthem and was oblivious to the reactions of the crowd and her fans.

“It wasn’t until I woke up the next day that I realized this is so unlike me. This is not OK. I need help,” said Andress. She noted that she had been unaware of how viral the performance video had gone, which left her feeling disoriented.

Shortly after the incident, she posted a candid statement on social media acknowledging her intoxication during the national anthem. In her heartfelt apology, she expressed her realization while traveling to rehab.

In her statement, she said, “I’m not gonna bulls— 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.” This transparent admission garnered attention and brought an outpouring of reactions from fans and the media alike.

Andress reflected on the intense backlash she faced, stating that she felt like “America’s punching bag” due to the uproar surrounding her performance. Despite the negative attention, she found a humorous perspective on the situation, noting that it unified people in their disapproval.

“I will say, at the time, politics was really bubbling, and there was a lot of angst in general. So, if anything, I feel like I’m fine with being America’s punching bag because, for one moment, everybody was united in the fact that that was awful. I feel like I united America in a way,” she remarked, blending humor with a sense of resilience.

Last month, Andress had the chance to perform