On July 15, 2024, country music star Ingrid Andress took the field at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas to sing the national anthem ahead of the MLB Home Run Derby. What should have been a proud moment for the 32-year-old Grammy nominee quickly turned into a viral embarrassment after Andress admitted she was intoxicated during the performance.
In a candid social media post, Andress did not mince words about her state of mind during the high-profile event. “I’m not gonna bulls*** y’all, I was drunk last night,” she wrote. “I’m checking myself into a facility today to get the help I need. That was not me last night.”
The singer-songwriter went on to apologize to MLB, the fans, and the country, acknowledging that her rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” was not up to par. “I apologize to MLB, all the fans, and this country I love so much for that rendition,” Andress said.
Prior to her national anthem snafu, Ingrid Andress had established herself as one of country music’s rising stars. Her 2019 single “More Hearts Than Mine” peaked at #30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Country Song in 2021.
Andress has also written hits for other artists, co-penning tracks like LANY’s “I Didn’t Lie,” Charli XCX’s “Boys,” and Fletcher’s “I Think I’m Growing.” Her own album “Lady Like” also scored nominations for Best New Artist and Best Country Album at the 2021 Grammys.
In 2023, Andress received another Grammy nod for her collaboration with Sam Hunt on the song “Wishful Drinking.”
As news of Andress’ admission spread, social media was abuzz with reactions to her much-maligned national anthem performance. Many viewers didn’t hold back in their harsh critiques, with one person declaring it “one of the worst national anthem renditions ever.”
“Ingrid Andress giving Fergie a run for worst national anthem ever performed,” wrote another commenter, referencing the pop star’s notoriously bad 2018 NBA All-Star Game anthem.
The backlash was so significant that “Ingrid Andress” quickly became the top trending search on Google that day.
Following the viral incident, Andress was true to her word and checked herself into a treatment facility to address her alcoholism. In a subsequent update, the country star expressed gratitude for the support she had received and pledged to take the necessary steps to overcome her struggles.
“I’ll let y’all know how rehab is – I hear it’s super fun,” Andress wrote with her trademark sense of humor. “Thank you all for the kindness and understanding. I’m committed to getting the help I need.”
While Andress’ national anthem performance will undoubtedly go down as one of the most cringeworthy in recent memory, the incident could also have longer-lasting ramifications for the artist’s career.
Though Andress has experienced tremendous success as a songwriter and performer, this high-profile misstep may cast a shadow over her public image. The road to redemption will not be an easy one, but her willingness to be transparent and seek help could ultimately work in her favor.
Only time will tell if Ingrid Andress can bounce back from this viral embarrassment and reclaim her standing as one of country music’s brightest young stars.
Ingrid Andress’ drunken national anthem performance at the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby was an undeniable disaster, but the country singer’s candid admission and commitment to getting help could be the first step in her path to redemption. While the incident may have irreparably damaged her public image in the short term, Andress’ willingness to be vulnerable and confront her struggles head-on could ultimately prove to be a testament to her resilience and character.
