The country star apologized last summer after facing vitriol over her “Star-Spangled Banner.” This is her first public appearance since
Country singer Ingrid Andress marked her public return on Friday by performing another rendition of the national anthem during a Colorado Avalance game. The performance comes seven months after she apologized for a flubbed performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the 2024 Home Run Derb, and agreed to enter rehab.
”We’re back baby,” Andress captioned a clip of her performance on Instagram.
Friday’s hockey game rendition marked the singer’s first public appearance since the incident. Since July 2024, Andress has been completely absent on social media. At the time, Andress admitted she “was drunk” when she performed at the Derby, and said she’d be checking herself into a rehabilitation facility.
“I’m not gonna bullshit y’all, I was drunk last night,” Andress wrote in her statement. “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.”
At the time, Andress’ national anthem rendition went viral with fans comparing her performance to Fergie’s rendition of the song during the 2018 NBA All-Star Game. When Andress shared the statement, fans, celebrities, and fellow artists rallied to support her in the comments. “Wishing you lots of love and healing honey,” wrote Kesha, while country star Carly Pearce added: “I’m sending you love, Ingrid. Being this open takes a lot. You’ve got this.”
Andress is a three-time Grammy nominee, thanks to for her excellent first album, Lady Like. She was nominated for Best New Artist and Best Country Song for “More Hearts Than Mine.” She also earned a nod for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for her song “Wishful Drinking” with Sam Hunt in 2023. Her last album, Good Person, came in 2022.
Ahead of the “Star-Spangled Banner” debacle,” Andress had announced that she’d release a single titled “Colorado 9.” The single was never released.