Janice R. Andrews
Ingrid Andress, a country music artist, received harsh criticism on social media after singing the National Anthem at Monday’s MLB Home Run Derby. In a social media message on Tuesday, the Grammy-nominated performer acknowledged that she was under the influence of alcohol during the performance. She is currently seeking assistance by checking herself into a rehabilitation center.
With her chart-topping hits “Wishful Drinking” and “More Hearts Than Mine,” 32-year-old Ingrid Andress has gained notoriety. Nevertheless, Fergie’s controversial performance during the 2018 NBA All-Star game was negatively compared to her singing of the song at the Home Run Derby. Just as Andress’s off-key performance drew widespread criticism and mockery, Fergie’s jazz-infused rendition went viral for its unique approach.
MLB players fought for the most home runs hit during the event, but attention soon shifted to Andress’ anthem. Videos from the Derby show Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies grinning while Andress had trouble hitting the correct notes. Soon, domestic viewers’ comments flooded social media, with many of them not holding back their severe remarks.
Andress disclosed the cause of her poor performance in an open social media post. “I’m not going to bull**** y’all, I was drunk last night,” she admitted. “I’m checking myself into a facility today to get the help I need.” Andress continued by apologizing to the nation, MLB, and her fans. “That was not me last night,” she wrote. “I apologise for that rendition to MLB, all of the fans, and this wonderful country of mine. I’ll update you all on my experience in rehab—I’ve heard it’s a lot of fun.
Andress had declared ahead of her contentious performance that her new single, “Colorado 9,” will be out on July 24. Comments are disabled on her Instagram, which mostly publishes content related to her music—possibly in reaction to the negative feedback she’s received lately.
Fellow country musicians offered Andress support in spite of the criticism. Popular country music duo The Brothers Osborne showed their support on social media. “I know everyone is here for laughs but as someone who has seen her sing many times live, she is incredibly talented,” they said. “Not sure what happened here but I’d bet the farm there were huge technical problems with her monitors.”
In the history of National Anthem performances, Andress’s circumstance is not exceptional. One of Fergie’s most memorable performances from the 2018 NBA All-Star game is the rendition that elicited conflicting responses. Fergie performed a jazzy, non-traditional rendition of the anthem that even the players could not contain their laughter.
Going even further back, Roseanne Barr, an actress, received a lot of criticism in 1990 for her performance during a San Diego Padres game. Barr’s performance drew harsh criticism since many people thought it was rude. She did, however, defend her performance, saying at the time to CBS Los Angeles, “Geez, gimme a break.” All I was doing was trying to sing. I’m sorry that so many people were horrified.”
By going into rehab, Ingrid Andress has brought attention to the stress and criticism that public people encounter, particularly when they don’t live up to expectations. Her followers and the music community will probably support her on her road to recovery and atonement as she withdraws to get help.
