Country star Ingrid Andress apologized to MLB, fans, and the nation for her controversial rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner" at Monday's 2024 Home Run Derby.
The 32-year-old four-time Grammy nominee was named the worst-ever National Anthem singer after she delivered a vocal performance at Texas' Globe Life Field that was off-pitch and laden with vocal liberties that failed to stay within a key.
Here is a clip of the vocal performance that USA Today called "cringeworthy.".
On Tuesday following the uproarious backlash for her interpretation of the patriotic anthem, Andress issued a statement blaming her performance on being inebriated.
She said she was seeking treatment as a result.
On July 16, Andress wrote on her socials:
"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."
She added:
"I apologize to MLB, all the fans, and this country I love so much for that rendition."
Andress concluded her message on a peculiar note. She said:
"I'll let y'all know how rehab is I hear it's super fun. xo, Ingrid."
@ingridandress/Instagram
Her post left people divided into two camps: those who were skeptical and those who felt empathy.
Some social media users struggled to take Andress seriously, especially after she ended her statement by making light of people going through rehab.
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Those with compassion wished her well and shut down the negative comments.
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The mixed reactions continued on X (formerly Twitter)
Before her performance at the Home Run Derby, Andress sent a newsletter to fans wanting to "clear the air" about dealing with a life struggle.
She confessed:
"I had to part ways with some people who've helped me make a name for myself. It sent me into what my country America calls 'depression' but I'm not a doctor."
The "We're Not Friends" singer continued:
"I was at the lowest point i've ever been, so I decided to go back to where I grew up in Colorado."
"Sometimes all it takes is a few hours in your hometown to remember who you actually are, and you start to be proud of the person you've become."
Andress added:
"I hope everyone has their own Colorado to go back to when they're feeling lost."
Hours before her performance, Andress announced her new single on Instagram, writing:
"Greetings to everyone that has a pulse. I truly love you all so much. I’ve been absent for a minute, but I’m so stoked to announce that my new single 'Colorado 9' comes out on July 24th, pre-save it now."
After she mentioned two upcoming shows this month, one in Nashville and another in Denver, Andress concluded her post with:
"Thank you for being here for me even though I’ve been living under a rock. Y’all are the best, and I can’t wait to see you at my shows (stay tuned for more show announcements soon)."
Whatever she may be going through, we wish her well.
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