In a recent standout moment, Ingrid Andress took on the challenge of singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a pro hockey game in Denver, marking a significant moment in our cultural history. Known as a talented young singer-songwriter in country music, Andress had faced criticism for a previous off-key rendition at the MLB Home Run Derby. Despite the risks, she made a surprise return at a Colorado Avalanche game, aiming for a dramatic do-over.
Andress shared with Variety the pressure she felt to deliver a flawless performance this time, knowing the consequences of another misstep. Unlike her previous attempt, she approached this performance with a clear mind, having openly admitted her struggles with alcohol during the Home Run Derby incident. This new opportunity presented a chance for redemption, a narrative that resonates with many.
After successfully singing the anthem in Denver, Andress sat down with Variety to reflect on her journey since her public misstep. Following a period of self-reflection and rehabilitation, she has gradually reemerged into the spotlight, including recent appearances at the Grand Ole Opry and the release of a heartfelt new single, “Footprints,” with more music on the horizon.
Andress candidly discussed her past struggles with alcohol dependency and the insights gained from her recovery process. Despite her initial reluctance, she embraced the challenge of returning to the anthem performance, viewing it as a crucial step in her comeback journey. The singer’s resilience and self-awareness continue to shape her personal growth and forthcoming musical endeavors.
Once my story had come to a close, I was able to move forward and return to songwriting, embracing my true self. How did you feel when you were executing this redo at the Avalanche game? There was a moment of laughter that caught my attention, and I was curious about its origin. The chuckle actually stemmed from the audience. As the crowd joined in during the line “…that our flag was still there,” their overwhelming support took me by surprise. It served as a stress reliever, reassuring me that they were enjoying the performance and I wasn’t sabotaging it. This moment brought a sense of relief and joy, realizing that I was not alone in singing the anthem. It was a heartwarming moment where I finally let go of my tension. Despite some criticism about my laughter during the anthem, I want to clarify that it was a positive reaction, not a mockery of our country.
It was a nice touch to have someone filming my rendition from behind, capturing my reaction as I left the field. I wasn’t aware of it at the time, but I’m grateful for the footage as it captured the genuine relief I felt. The weight of the situation seemed to lift off my shoulders. Afterward, I made a decision to never sing that song again.
Following the previous controversy surrounding my anthem rendition, I received substantial support from the music community. Many artists and friends reached out with encouraging messages, acknowledging the challenging nature of the situation. While there were dissenting voices, I took the feedback to heart and realized my sensitivity to public opinion. The experience prompted a shift in my approach to social media, recognizing the impact of online criticism. Though I value connecting with my fans, I’ve become more cautious about engaging online due to my sensitivity.
Returning to perform the anthem at the recent Avalanche game, I made a conscious choice not to focus on reactions. While I’ve glimpsed some positive feedback, there are still critical voices. However, I’ve reached a point where my primary satisfaction comes from overcoming personal challenges rather than seeking validation from others. Despite varying opinions online, I find joy in pursuing my passion regardless of external judgment.
I’ve been disconnected from everything for a while, so it’s been a process of returning to the world and reacclimating. I really wanted to feel more prepared. I noticed that I hadn’t taken a break since “Ladylike,” and I felt the need to take time off to explore who I am now compared to when I began. I spent time in Colorado, hiking and reconnecting with myself outside of my identity as an artist and songwriter. It was important for me to feel like just a regular person again. Now that I’m back in the music scene, I still prioritize feeling like myself.
Do you think you would have allowed yourself a break if circumstances hadn’t forced you to take one?
Yes, I believe the anthem mishap was a clear sign that I needed to pause and assess my situation. I knew I wasn’t in a good place, but I didn’t know how to address it. The public mistake pushed me to slow down and seek help. I’m grateful for that experience because it helped me become more present and happier. It was necessary for me to reset my life and mindset.
For those familiar with you and your work, there was hope that this ordeal would ultimately have a positive impact on you, unlike some who might struggle in similar situations. People see you as intelligent, humorous, and kind, qualities that likely played a role in your ability to come back stronger and more positive.
Thank you for your kind words. Many people are uncomfortable discussing mistakes or seeking help, but I believe hiding only exacerbates the situation. When I decided to go to rehab, I could have kept it private, but I wanted to be honest and show that it’s okay to admit when you’re struggling. It’s a part of being human. I embraced the opportunity to be vulnerable and show self-compassion, despite initially feeling guilt and shame. I’ve learned to be more forgiving of myself and understand that mistakes don’t define me permanently. Making errors is a part of life, and I now approach them with more grace.
We don’t want to dwell on that difficult moment, but there are different interpretations of what occurred. Some believed it was a technical issue you couldn’t overcome, while others saw your tweet admitting to being drunk.
The truth is, I wasn’t aware of the plan to use pitch tuning during the performance because it wasn’t part of our soundcheck. Had I not been intoxicated, I would have been able to handle the situation better.
I struggled to hear the correct pitch they were giving me to start. It was a constant battle with the tuner throughout the performance. At times, it was evident that I was trying to determine the correct key for the piece. If I hadn’t been under the influence, I would have been able to identify the issue promptly and make the necessary adjustments. It was a combination of being intoxicated and dealing with an audio problem.
I didn’t deflect blame for the aspects that were my fault; I acknowledged my responsibility, which was significant. Others might have been more defensive in a similar situation. I was tired of pretending and finally admitted to myself that I needed help. I hadn’t realized the extent to which my struggles were affecting my work before reaching that breaking point. It was a wake-up call for me to seek assistance.
I chose to be candid about my situation rather than concealing it like many celebrities do. Some viewed it as a publicity stunt, but I was being vulnerable, and yet some lacked empathy. It was surprising to see the lack of empathy in people, considering that everyone goes through tough times.
Regarding the issue I needed to address, it wasn’t just about using alcohol as a crutch while performing. I had undergone significant personal changes that I hadn’t processed properly. I had started to rely on alcohol to numb myself without realizing the extent of it.
The management change and personal breakup occurred in quick succession, contributing to my reliance on numbing behaviors. I was the one who had to say goodbye to these individuals, which added to the emotional toll. Even though I knew it was the right decision, it was challenging, and I didn’t give myself time to grieve.
On the night of the anthem, I didn’t initially grasp the significance of the situation. It took some time for me to realize the gravity of the moment.
The realization started to kick in. I had some doubts at first, but it was a mix of uncertainty and self-criticism. I felt like I could have done better, but at the same time, I didn’t really care. It wasn’t until the next morning when I woke up with a sinking feeling in my stomach that I truly understood how badly I had messed up and needed help.
There’s this tradition, almost a national pastime, where people rank the best and worst renditions of the national anthem, especially around the Super Bowl. Names like Fergie and Roseanne often come up, along with others who probably handled the criticism better than I did.
I recently joked with my team about collaborating with Fergie. It’s something I can laugh about now because I’ve worked on myself and feel much better. I sang the anthem again and told myself, “Okay, that happened. Time to move on.” Whether the collaboration turns out terrible or amazing doesn’t matter to me; I would love to do it.
Your initial tweet response gave me hope for a positive outcome. The sincerity in your sign-off, mentioning rehab being “super fun,” reassured me that this wasn’t a scripted statement but a genuine expression. Some criticized your mention of rehab as a joke, but I understood it as gallows humor – a coping mechanism.
That’s my humor, as you know. I wrote that statement on the way to rehab to maintain my authenticity. It was my way of saying that I’m taking responsibility for my actions and seeking help willingly. It was a mix of emotions – battling guilt, shame, and embarrassment. I just wanted to be honest and transparent about it.
Recovery is a gradual process, and there may not be a sudden realization. However, understanding the reasons behind our choices was a turning point for me. It showed me that I have the power to decide how to cope and move forward. It reminded me that I have control over my choices and actions, even in the smallest things.
Additionally, confronting my fear of failure and rejection was a significant breakthrough for me. It opened up a new perspective on self-acceptance and the importance of staying true to myself.
I was compelled to confront my fear of judgment and the need for approval, stemming from childhood conditioning. I realized that I no longer had to hold onto those beliefs and that it was ultimately my choice to let go of them. This epiphany empowered me to understand that I have control over my actions and decisions, even though I cannot dictate external circumstances or others’ opinions.
One reason for optimism amidst challenges is my track record of producing introspective albums and engaging in thoughtful discussions surrounding them. This contrasts with some individuals in the country music industry whose work does not reflect a similar growth or self-awareness.
I found it intriguing how I faced severe judgment for a non-harmful incident while observing others in the industry gain popularity from more significant missteps. This discrepancy highlighted societal double standards that I have encountered.
Despite the setbacks, I released a new single, “Footprints,” following the anthem controversy. This song reflects my vulnerability by sharing personal stories about my siblings and the mistakes I’ve made, hoping to impart lessons and encourage growth.
Moving forward, I have adjusted my musical plans, adding new songs and rearranging the order of releases. I aim to return to the industry with honesty and authenticity, acknowledging the challenges of resuming my career after public scrutiny. “Footprints” serves as a sincere reintroduction to my artistry, embracing vulnerability and meaningful storytelling.
It took me a while to decide on that, as I didn’t want my siblings, with whom I share a close bond from our homeschooled upbringing, to feel left behind. I penned those words to uplift them, but the message is universal for anyone you wish to inspire or motivate. Are you the oldest among your siblings? No, I’m the second eldest. My older sister and I are just 13 months apart, often referred to as Irish twins. Although very different, she was the first to fly the nest. Given my rebellious streak – I even got grounded on my birthday three years in a row – my departure wasn’t a shock to anyone in the family.
Your Colorado heritage is a defining part of your identity, so it was fitting that your return was marked at an Avalanche game in Denver. Following your performance of “Footprints” on the Opry this weekend, your schedule includes just two upcoming shows, both in Colorado. The snowy visuals in the promotional material and single cover clearly represent Colorado. Yes, I’ve spent a lot of time in Colorado since the incident. It feels like home to me, engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and snowboarding. The country vibes of Colorado resonate with me, recalling my upbringing attending rodeos. I’ve had some of my most enjoyable country festival experiences there, amidst the ranching plains. The mountain air has played a crucial role in bringing me back to my true self.
How is the progress on your upcoming album going? We’re nearing completion. Despite the past seven months being busy, I’ve found more clarity creatively by taking a step back. Previously, I lacked a clear vision for the next chapter, but now I feel more aligned with where I want to go. I wish I could share more, but it’s a step-by-step process. I’m naturally impatient due to my competitive nature and high energy levels. Taking this time to focus on the music and my well-being has been a refreshing change.
What are your plans for the evening? While it’s raining, I plan to cozy up by the window and read “Women Who Run With Wolves.” It’s a fascinating read that delves into the wild, innate nature of women that has been overlooked in modern society. It’s making me feel empowered in a primal way, though I might relate more to a fox than a wolf. I’m not sure yet – time will tell.
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