Ingrid Andress says she was drunk during the performance of the MLB anthem

After a widely criticized performance of the US national anthem in MLB Home Run Derbycountry singer Ingrid Andress apologized on Tuesday and said she was drunk.

“I am checking myself into a facility today to get the help I need,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “That was not me last night. I apologize to MLB, all the fans and this country I love so much for that portrayal.”

The MLB is not commenting, said spokesman Matt Bourne.

A spokesman for Andress said there would be no further comment at this time.

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

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

Read more about the incident and Andress here.

Who is Ingrid Andress?

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

Soon after, she 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,” followed the release, peaking at 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 stayed in the charts for 20 weeks, reaching number 47.

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

What was the reaction to your performance at the MLB Home Run Derby?

Andress’ appearance quickly made the rounds on social media.

Vulture blogger Bethy Squires joked that Andress sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” “in italics,” a reference to a neologism widely used on the Internet to describe pop singers who stretch their vowels to emphasize the sound of their voice.

Chris Wright, editor-in-chief of Saturday Down South, expressed himself more emotively: “I like Ingrid Andress’s music and have seen her in concert.” he wrote on X. “After hearing this national anthem, I have a whole new respect for its producers and sound crew. Wow.”

This is not the first time that a performance of the national anthem has been panned.

In the pantheon of the most controversial interpretations of the national anthem at sporting events Roseanne Barr Transfer at a 1990 San Diego Padres game and Fergie is in NBA All-Star Game 2018 produced similar reactions.

After her performance, Fergie released a statement: “It has always been an honor and pride for me to sing the national anthem and last night I wanted to try something special for the NBA,” said the Grammy winner. “I like to take risks artistically, but this performance clearly did not hit the intended tone. I love this country and I honestly did my best.”

Barr reacted to Fergie’s performance, Writing on Twitter back then: “Who saw Fergie’s performance of the national anthem at the NBA All Star Game? I think mine was more subtle.”

What’s next for Andress?

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

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

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