Country Star Ingrid Andress Admits to Drunken National Anthem Performance, Plans Rehab Stint

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ICARO Media Group
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16/07/2024 18h29

Country singer Ingrid Andress has shocked fans by revealing that she was intoxicated when she sang the National Anthem at baseball's Home Run Derby on Monday night. In a candid post on her social media accounts, Andress admitted her mistake and announced her decision to check into a rehab facility for the help she needs.

In her heartfelt message shared on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), Andress didn't shy away from the truth, stating, "I'm not gonna bullshit y'all, I was drunk last night." She expressed her remorse to Major League Baseball (MLB), her fans, and the country she deeply loves for her disastrous rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Andress also revealed her intention to update her followers on her rehab experience, cheekily mentioning that she had heard it could be "super fun."

Speculation regarding Andress's performance had already been circulating before her confession, as many viewers noticed her apparent struggle beyond just technical issues with in-ear monitors. The rendition of the national anthem was off-key from the start and didn't recover, presenting a stark contrast to Andress's reputation as an accomplished professional singer-songwriter.

Fellow musicians came forward with words of support on her social media accounts. Julia Michaels expressed her love and sympathy, acknowledging the cruelty of the world, while country star Carly Pearce offered encouragement and praised Andress's bravery in opening up about her struggles.

Earlier on Monday, before her ill-fated performance, Andress had shared a letter with her email mailing list, providing a glimpse into her upcoming single, "Colorado 9," set to release later this month. In the note to fans, she confessed to experiencing depression after severing ties with individuals who had contributed to her career's beginnings. However, she also found solace through a retreat to her native Colorado.

The social media sphere quickly drew comparisons between Andress's performance and previous notorious and controversial performances of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Fergie's rendition at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game and Roseanne Barr's at a Padres game in 1990 were both recalled in the discussion.

Andress's career has been on an upward trajectory since the release of her well-received second album, "Good Person," in 2022. She has opened for prominent rock and pop acts, including Stevie Nicks and Alanis Morissette, and recently performed at the CMA Festival in Nashville.

Nominated for four Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist in 2021, Andress gained significant recognition for her breakthrough single, "More Hearts Than Mine," which reached the top 5 of the country charts in 2019. She continued her success with another top 5 hit, "Wishful Drinking," a duet with Sam Hunt, in 2021. Prior to her solo career, Andress made a name for herself as a songwriter, penning songs for artists such as Charli XCX, Bebe Rexha, Fletcher, and LANY.

Interestingly, this incident marks the second time a prominent figure in country music has admitted to a high-profile performance blunder while under the influence. Elle King's tribute to Dolly Parton at the Grand Ole Opry in January 2023 garnered attention when she forgot lyrics, slurred profanity, and admitted to being "hammered." Unlike Andress, King did not enter rehab after her misstep but took a more defiant stance after a private conversation with Parton.

As fans await updates on Andress's rehab journey, her bravery in acknowledging her mistake serves as a reminder of the challenges many artists face in maintaining their personal well-being while navigating the pressures of fame.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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