Country singer Ingrid Andress announced Tuesday that she is checking into rehab after Monday night heavily criticized performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at baseball’s annual Home Run Derby, which took place this year in Arlington, Texas.
In a shared statement social mediaAndress admitted that she was drunk at the time of the performance before apologizing to her fans.
“I’m not going to say anything bad about you, I was drunk last night,” the singer, 32, wrote. “I’m checking myself into a facility today to get the help I need. That wasn’t me last night. I apologize to MLB, all the fans and this country I love so much for this version. I’m going to tell you what rehabilitation is like. I hear it’s super fun.
Andress’ record label, Atlantic Records, declined Yahoo Entertainment’s request for comment, but a rep confirmed that the singer’s upcoming shows in Nashville (July 17) and Denver (July 24) have been canceled and that “venues are in contact ticket buyers regarding refunds.”
Andress’ next single, “Colorado 9”, premieres on July 24th.
A night to forget: What happened at the Home Run Derby?
The four-time Grammy nominee — best known for singles like “More hearts than mine”(2019) and “Feel this way” (2022) — struggled to hit many of the high notes while performing the song at Globe Life Field, where the event was held.
The national anthem before the 2024 Home Run Derby on ESPN by four-time Grammy-nominated artist Ingrid Andress was interesting, to say the least… pic.twitter.com/p3HkV9Vcvg
– Horrible ad (@awfulannouncing) July 16, 2024
The singer took several artistic liberties, which turned into an off-key and erratic performance that left many stunned and disappointed. When she finished, Andress pointed to her in-ear monitors, seeming to suggest that there might have been a problem with her being able to hear her vocals.
The reaction was quick
The moment became an instant viral sensation for all the wrong reasons. Critics and fans didn’t hesitate to express their disapproval. Some called the performance “brutal”, while others questioned Andress’ opinion professionalism.
“The worst performance of the national anthem ever” A tweet read, encapsulating a widely held sentiment. Some went so far as to say that their “ears are bleeding”After hearing her sing.
Commentators also pointed out that at least one of the baseball players in the derby was laughing during your performance.
Just when I thought nothing could unite this country, America came together to bury — and I say this in the most polite and objective way possible — the worst performance of the national anthem ever. #HomeRunDerby #HRDerby pic.twitter.com/ov4hWv9X3F
-Moonlight Graham (@ReeceKelleyG) July 16, 2024
Cincinnati Reds beat writer C. Trent Rosecrans compared the performance to Whitney Houston’s “iconic” 1991 Super Bowl version, which is often considered the gold standard of music.
“Remember Whitney Houston’s performance of the National Anthem at the Super Bowl?” he wrote Rosecrans. “This is exactly the opposite.”
Others were a little more playful in their criticism, comparing performance to Maya Rudolph’s version in a 2006 episode of Saturday night live. Some were even pulling SNLHeidi Gardner try to personify the artist.
Public criticism subsided when Andress shared the news that she was going to rehab.
“I wish you all the best as you get the help that’s best for you now,” MSNBC’s Michael Steele wrote on X. “Maybe you’ll have another chance to show us why you were chosen to sing our National Anthem!”
Vocal coaches react: Why is the national anthem so difficult to sing?
Singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” is a notoriously difficult task, even for experienced performers.
Broadway vocal coach Tracey Grimaldi told Yahoo Entertainment: “It’s not a song you can sing without good preparation. It’s an octave and a half, specifically, an interval of 12 notes. You have to know what your first note is, otherwise it’s easy to miss the tone.”
This is especially true when you sing a cappella (without musical accompaniment).
“It’s a very difficult song to sing. Everyone knows if you miss a word or note, it happens because of nerves,” she said. “You can do something a million times in your room, in your shower, but that’s not the same thing as going out and doing it in front of everyone.”
Vocal coach and YouTuber Tara Simão noted that not everyone will match celebrated performances Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, Demi Lovato or same Meatloaf – and that’s okay too.
“The song has a very emotional impact and there are high expectations because of it,” Simon told Yahoo Entertainment.
However, Simon highlighted upon hearing about Andress’ struggle with alcoholism that “context and compassion are important in these things. You never know what someone is going through.”
“I just wish everyone would be nicer to people in general [and] Just go, oh well, wasn’t that great, so enjoy the game,” Grimaldi said via email. “If it wasn’t great, anyone criticizing her should record themselves singing the National Anthem acapella and post it. If they can do better, they will be hired.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).