MLB All-Star Game: Singer Ingrid Andress Says She Was Drunk During Criticized MLB Anthem Performance, Will Get Treatment

After singing the U.S. national anthem during the MLB Home Run Derby, country singer Ingrid Andress apologized Tuesday, saying she was drunk.

“I’m going to check myself into a facility today to get the help I need,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “That wasn’t me last night. I apologize to MLB, all the fans, and this country I love for that portrayal.”

MLB has no comment, spokesman Matt Bourne said.

An Andress spokesperson said no further comment was possible at this time.

On Monday night, the four-time Grammy nominee performed an a cappella version of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” an incredibly challenging song to sing. Clips of her less-popular performance at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, went viral.

Sports Illustrated writer Alex Carr posted on X, formerly Twitter: “I’m so sorry, I’m sure Ingrid Andress is a wonderful person, but that was one of the worst national anthems I’ve ever heard in my entire life.”

Here’s more information about the incident and Andress.

Who is Ingrid Andress?

Andress, 32, began her career as a songwriter in Nashville, penning songs for artists across a variety of genres, including Bebe Rexha’s “Girl in the Mirror,” Halestorm’s “Conflicted” and the critically acclaimed “Boys,” which became an international hit for British singer Charli XCX.

She soon signed a deal with Warner Music Nashville and Atlantic Records for her own music and released her debut album, “Lady Like,” in 2020. Her breakthrough single “More Hearts Than Mine” preceded its release, reaching number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

In 2021, she released her second-biggest song to date, the country radio favorite “Wishful Drinking,” a collaboration with singer Sam Hunt. It also spent 20 weeks on the chart, peaking at No. 47.

Her second album, “Good Person”, was released in 2022.

How was the response to her performance in the MLB Home Run Derby?

Andress’s performance quickly spread on social media.

Vulture blogger Bethy Squires joked that Andress sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” “in italics,” a reference to a popular Internet neologism referring to pop singers who stretch vowels and accentuate their voices.

Chris Wright, the editor of Saturday Down South, was a bit more delicate: “I enjoy Ingrid Andress’s music and have seen her in concert,” he wrote on X. “After listening to that anthem, I have a new respect for her producers and sound crew. Wow.”

It is not the first time that a performance of the national anthem has been criticized.

In the pantheon of controversial performances of the national anthem at sporting events, Roseanne Barr’s rendition during a 1990 San Diego Padres game and Fergie’s during the 2018 NBA All-Star Game have drawn similar reactions.

After her performance, Fergie released a statement: “I’ve always felt honored and proud to sing the national anthem and last night I wanted to try something special for the NBA,” the Grammy-winning singer said. “I’m an artistic risk taker, but this performance clearly didn’t strike the right note. I love this country and honestly did the best I could.”

Barr responded to Fergie’s performance, writing on Twitter, “Who saw Fergie’s National Anthem performance at the NBA All Star Game? I think I took it easy.”

What’s next for Andress?

Earlier today, Andress announced four upcoming tour dates: July 17 at Cannery Hall in Nashville, July 24 at Globe Hall Live Music & BBQ in Denver, August 3 at Basilica Block Party in Minneapolis, an annual music festival, and October 4 at Inlet Lodge in Ocean City, Maryland, for the Country Calling festival.

Andress’ official website currently only lists the two festival dates.

A spokesperson for Andress confirmed to The Associated Press that her “upcoming shows in Nashville and Denver have been canceled and the venues are contacting ticket buyers regarding refunds.”