Ingrid Andress says she felt like ‘America’s punching bag’ after drunk national anthem performance

Ingrid Andress Breaks Her Silence After Rehab

Country music singer-songwriter Ingrid Andress recently opened up for the first time since seeking help for her struggles with alcohol nearly a year ago. The 33-year-old artist made headlines in mid-July 2024 after her controversial performance of the national anthem at the MLB Home Run Derby, where she later admitted to being "drunk." Andress shared her story on The Viall Files podcast, revealing the events leading up to that fateful day and the journey of self-reflection and recovery that followed.

Andress recalled that the day of the performance started like any other, but she had been relying heavily on alcohol to numb her emotions following a recent breakup and a split with her first manager. "That day started as a very normal day," she explained. "At that point, I knew I was drinking, but I was loving the numbing feeling and just didn’t stop." Unaware of the viral backlash her performance would receive, she believed at the time that she had "kinded nailed it." It wasn’t until the next morning, when the full weight of the situation hit her, that she realized she needed help.

Facing Backlash and Seeking Help

The aftermath of her performance was overwhelming. Andress admitted that she was unaware of how much her actions had resonated with the public until she saw the viral video and the wave of criticism that followed. "I didn’t realize how much the video was going viral because I had never experienced anything like that," she said. The backlash was intense, with many fans and critics expressing disappointment and even anger. Andress described feeling like "America’s punching bag," but she found a strange sense of dark humor in the situation.

Despite the negativity, Andress took full responsibility for her actions. In a statement shared on social media, she wrote, "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." This raw honesty marked the beginning of her journey toward recovery. While on her way to rehab, she acknowledged the gravity of her mistake and committed to making positive changes in her life.

The Road to Redemption and Recovery

Andress spent time in rehab and then returned home to Colorado, where she focused on healing with the support of her family. Reflecting on this period, she shared that it was a time of profound growth and self-awareness. "I spent a lot of time with family, and then I was like, ‘I think it’s time to re-emerge,’" she said. Her experience with rehab and recovery gave her the tools she needed to confront her struggles head-on and work toward a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

Learning and Growing from Mistakes

Looking back, Andress acknowledged the pain she caused and expressed gratitude for the lessons learned from the experience. She also found a silver lining in the chaos: at a time of heightened political tension and societal division, her performance unexpectedly united people in their reaction. "I feel like I united America in a way," she said with a laugh. While her actions were far from perfect, Andress embraced the opportunity to grow and show resilience in the face of adversity.

A New Beginning and Fresh Start

Nearly a year after the incident, Andress is stepping back into the spotlight with renewed confidence. She recently performed the national anthem at an NHL game in Colorado, a moment of redemption that allowed her to reclaim her voice and prove her dedication to her craft. She also released a new single, signaling her return to music with fresh energy and purpose. Andress’s story is one of vulnerability, accountability, and hope—a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always the possibility for healing and a second chance.