Country singer Ingrid Andress has admitted she was drunk that went viral this week.
The music artist, 32, attempted to sing The Star-Spangled Banner at the Home Run Derby, an annual Major Baseball League (MLB) competition held in Arlington, Texas, before the All-Star Game on Monday night.
The four-time -nominee, best known for her 2019 single More Hearts Than Mine which peaked at number 30 in the US Hot 100, took to Texas’ Globe Life Field to kick things off with the familiar opening lyrics: ‘O say can you see..’
But things quickly took a downhill turn with out-of-tune singing and high notes that didn’t quite hit the mark, all to the backdrop of a packed stadium silent enough to hear a pin drop.
People quickly took to social media to share their thoughts on the abysmal performance during an already turbulent week for US politics following the of former US president .
However the 32-year-old singer has now revealed what was really happening during the disastrous performance.
‘I’m not gonna bull**** y’all, I was drunk last night,’ she posted in a statement shared across her social media accounts on Tuesday.
‘I’m checking myself into a facility today to get the help I need. That was not me last night.
‘I apologize to MLB, all the fans, and this country I love so much for that rendition. I’ll let y’all know how rehab is. I hear it’s super fun.’
While some criticised the wording of Ingrid’s statement, some did offer their support.
‘It will be ok! You are doing what you need to do. A proud moment,’ Kristin Chenoweth commented.
‘Love you girl. I’m sorry you’re going through this And I’m sorry the world can be so cruel. Here for you xx’ Julia Michaels shared.
Meanwhile fan Natalie wrote: ‘Wow people hating on this is wild. Major props for owning it. Best wishes to you girl, go heal and come back better.’
As the performance was doing the rounds on social media, many didn’t hold back when criticising it.
‘Just when I thought nothing could unite this country, America comes together to dunk on — and I say this as politely and objectively as possible — the worst national anthem performance of all time,’ @ReeceKelleyG said on X.
‘Worst rendition ever,’ @tdecker603 added.
‘Quite honestly the worst singing I’ve ever heard,’ @_PHIL_osophy echoed.
‘That Ingrid Andress national anthem might have been the worst thing to happen in America in the last 48 hours,’ @cdoss44 wrote.
‘It’s never a good sign when the players start laughing during your performance of the National Anthem,’ @consequence aptly pointed out.
‘Is this a real national anthem at the derby? Holy s**t,’ @frankiborrelli wrote.
Since releasing her second album Good Person in 2022, Ingrid has opened for major music stars including Stevie Nicks and Alanis Morissette.
She has also been nominated for four Grammys, including best new artist in 2021.
Before launching her own recording career in 2020, she co-wrote songs including Charli XCX’s Boys and songs by Bebe Rexha and Fletcher.
It’s not the first time a performance of the National Anthem has gone viral. Lest we forget before the NBA All-Stars in 2018 which faced harsh criticism.
The baffling performance has since gone down in meme history.
Now people have declared Ingrid has given the Black Eyed Peas singer a ‘run for her money’.
Although some have come to the Wishful Drinking artist’s defence, explaining that the outdoor setting and difficult melody worked against her.
‘It’s the hardest song to ever sing in public none the less in an indoor venue the sound is bouncing all over place. I’m betting her IEMs weren’t mixed well and she had a lot of feedback. She’s an amazing artist and sad that people will rail her for this moment,’ @chrishenkemusic posed.
‘In her defense, that, actually, is not an easy song to sing. I’ve seen people, with talent, really get of track at events… It happens,’ @craighoffman agreed.
Ingrid has yet to address the viral backlash to her performance. But she did announce two more shows taking place in Nashville and Denver later in July ahead of the release of her latest single Colorado 9.
that she has been ‘living under a rock’ and thanked fans for their patience.
