After her viral, and less-than-stellar rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” during this week’s MLB Home Run Derby, country singer Ingrid Andress admitted that she was intoxicated at the time of the performance.
Andress announced on Tuesday that she is checking into rehab after Monday night’s heavily criticized performance.
In a statement shared across social media, Andress admitted that she was drunk and issued an apology to her fans.
“I’m not gonna bulls*** y’all, I was drunk last night,” the singer, 32, wrote. “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.”
A representative for Andress confirmed that her upcoming shows in Nashville (July 17) and Denver (July 24) have been canceled and that “venues are in touch with ticket buyers regarding refunds.”
However, Andress still plans on releasing a new, forthcoming single, “Colorado 9,” set to debut July 24.
Andress’ performance overshadowed for many an otherwise epic, and historic HR Derby performance that saw Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez beat out Kansas City Royals shortship Bobby Witt, Jr. in an exciting finish.
Andress, a four-time Grammy nominee best known for singles like “More Hearts Than Mine” (2019) and “Feel Like This” (2022) struggled to hit many of the high notes while performing the song at Globe Life Field, where the event was held.
The national anthem ahead of the 2024 Home Run Derby on ESPN by four-time Grammy-nominated artist Ingrid Andress was interesting, to say the least… pic.twitter.com/p3HkV9Vcvg
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 16, 2024
The moment became an instant viral sensation for all the wrong reasons. Critics and fans alike did not hold back in expressing their disapproval. Some called the performance “brutal,” while others questioned Andress’s professionalism.
However, the criticism of Andress’ viral performance did soften after she shared the news that she was going to rehab.
“Wishing you well as you get the help that is best for you right now,” MSNBC’s Michael Steele wrote on X. “Perhaps, you’ll get another chance to show us why you were chosen to sing our National Anthem in the first place!”