Ingrid Andress Reflects on Anthem Debacle and Journey to Sobriety

DENVER, Colo. — After a tumultuous period following her infamous performance of the national anthem at the 2024 Home Run Derby, country singer Ingrid Andress is addressing her struggles and newfound recovery. In her first interview since that fateful day, Andress, 33, spoke candidly about the emotional toll and transformation she has undergone in the past months.

Seven months ago in Arlington, Texas, Andress delivered a rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ that quickly went viral, not for its quality but for its tone. “I am sorry you had to witness that horrific rendition of our nation’s anthem,” Andress admitted. “Whoever that was is not an accurate representation of who I am at all.”

The moment was a blur for Andress, who recalled feeling indifferent and disconnected when entering the field before the Home Run Derby. “I just remember being like, ‘I don’t care,’” she said. “I had completely missed the plot.” Her performance was met with derision online, as her slurred lyrics and off-key notes drew widespread criticism.

Andress was not just confronting a bad performance; she was under the influence of alcohol, something she had used to numb feelings before performances in the past. “I liked the numbness… that’s part of how it got out of control,” she explained. But on that day, her inebriation prevented her from hearing the note cues in her earpiece, which led to her significant struggle on stage.

In the wake of the backlash, Andress felt the need to take ownership of her mistakes. “I needed to let people know that it’s not just this one incident that I messed up,” she said. She posted an admission of her struggle with alcohol and sought help, entering a treatment facility shortly thereafter.

During her month-long stay in rehab, Andress worked through her substance abuse issues, emotional grief from recent breakup events, and the demands of her career. “I thought that changing that would fix everything, but it was so much to process,” she reflected. This period was transformative as she recognized the need to reconnect with her authentic self.

Andress received support from fellow artists in the country music community, including Elle King and Kelsea Ballerini, who shared their own experiences. “There was something about hearing from women in country that made me feel like, ‘I’m OK. I’ll be fine,’” she recalled. The compassion she received allowed her to see the broader struggles individuals face.

After completing rehab, Andress spent several months away from the public eye, focusing on her personal growth in Colorado. Reflecting on her journey, she stated, “I feel like I’ve gotten to know myself again, which is probably the biggest gift of all of it. I learned to not let your past dictate what you can do in the future.”

On February 28, she returned to the spotlight and performed the national anthem again, this time at a game between the Colorado Avalanche and the Minnesota Wild. Andress received a warm response from the audience, marking a significant moment of redemption for her. “It felt so good to get back on stage and be me again,” she said.

Following her comeback, Andress released “Footprints,” her first single since the anthem incident. The song represents a reflection on her journey and serves as a message of resilience for her family and herself. “If there’s any helpful guidance anyone can take from it, it’s all worth it,” she said.

Andress’s new music reflects a deeper introspection, moving away from typical love stories to themes of self-acceptance and growth. “Sometimes it takes a little public humiliation to turn your life around,” she acknowledged, as she embraced her past and looked forward to her future.