Country singer Ingrid Andress has revealed she was “drunk” during her much-maligned rendition of the national anthem ahead Major League Baseball’s Home Run Derby on Tuesday (AEST).
Andress left her army of fans shocked when announcing she is now going to spend time at a rehabilitation centre, The New York Post reports.
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“I’m not gonna bulls*** y’all, I was drunk last night,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I’m checking myself into a facility today to get the help I need. That was not me last night. I apologise 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.”
The 32-year-old was mocked around the world for her rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, with some MLB All-Stars, including Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm, struggling to keep composure.
“Bohm trying not to laugh lmao,” one X user posted on Monday while another wrote he “was having a hard time” keeping a straight face.
Watch the trainwreck USA national anthem in the video above
The four-time Grammy nominee, known for songs such as “Lady Like” and “More Hearts Than Mine,” drew comparisons to Fergie and Roseanne Barr, who have been mocked for their cringe-worthy renditions of the national anthem in the past.
“May have moved Roseanne Barr down to number two worst anthem!!” one X user exclaimed Monday.
Another posted, “Still better than Fergie. Poor girl couldn’t hear herself.”
Barr screeched her way through “The Star-Spangled Banner” in 1990, when she performed at a Padres game, capping off the infamous moment by grabbing her crotch and spitting on the pitcher’s mound.
Fergie was ripped for her bizarre rendition at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game and later addressed the backlash.
“I’m a risk taker artistically, but clearly this rendition didn’t strike the intended tone,” she said at the time. “I love this country and honestly tried my best.”
Andress signed off her message Tuesday, “XO, Ingrid.”
The backlash was fierce earlier on Tuesday.
Popular baseball analyst Jomboy wrote on X: “If I was at a local In Memoriam ceremony that anthem would’ve made more sense.”
MLB writer Anthony Castrovince said: “Gonna be lots of bombs at the HR Derby tonight. And the first one was the Anthem.”
Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde added: “Ancient national anthem wisdom: be good, or be fast. This was neither.”
Michael Schwab posted: “My ears are bleeding. One of the worst national anthem renditions ever.” His tweet has received 23,000 likes.
Barstool Sports’ Frankie Borrelli said: “Is this a real national anthem at the derby? Holy sh*t.”
One baseball fan said: “That was the single worst National Anthem performance of all-time oh my god.”
A second joked: “If you or a loved one listened to the National Anthem during the 2024 Home Run Derby, you may be entitled to financial compensation.”
“Ingrid andress giving Fergie a run for worst national anthem ever performed,” said a third.
Another said: “This country needed an anthem like that to unite us tonight.”
The Home Run Derby features the MLB’s biggest hitters try to hit as many home runs as they can in three minutes. The event is held the day before the MLB All-Star Game.
It’s been a big week in the world of baseball, with Australia’s Travis Bazzana making history when he was taken by the Cleveland Guardians with the No. 1 pick in the MLB Draft.
The 21-year-old from Sydney is set to pocket an eye-watering A$15 million for his troubles.
— This story originally appeared on The New York Post and has been re-published with permission