Ingrid Andress: Addiction and Recovery
Country star Ingrid Andress is speaking out for the first time about her battle with addiction, the rehab journey that followed, and her path to redemption after a highly criticized national anthem performance.
A Sobering Wake-Up Call
In July 2024, Andress took the field at the Home Run Derby to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner,” a moment that quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons.
Many labeled it the “worst ever,” and the singer later admitted she had been intoxicated during the performance.
Waking up the next day, she knew she had hit rock bottom and needed professional help, prompting her to check into a rehab facility in Colorado.
Despite the challenging year, Andress is embracing her past, stating, “I’m fine talking about everything because I see it as a needed experience.”
Using Alcohol to Numb the Pain
During a recent appearance on The Viall Files podcast with Nick Viall, Andress opened up about the events that led to her downward spiral and how she found the strength to overcome addiction.
“That day, I knew I was drinking, but I really loved the numbing feeling. So I just didn’t stop,” she admitted. “It wasn’t until the next morning that I realized—this is so unlike me. This is not okay. I need help.”
At first, Andress believed her anthem performance had only a few “hiccups,” but a conversation with her best friend made her question that assumption.
“She asked me how I thought it went, and I said, ‘I feel like it wasn’t my best,’ but honestly, I was so far gone I didn’t even care.”
The singer revealed that her drinking escalated after the end of a serious relationship, parting ways with her first manager, and struggling with intense loneliness.
“I didn’t let myself process those emotions of grief. Everyone says, ‘just keep moving, stay busy,’ but because I didn’t process it, the pain started creeping in other ways. Within three months, I was drinking way more than ever, just loving that numbing feeling. That’s when I realized—I don’t know how to get out of this.”
Choosing Recovery
Andress made the decision to seek help almost immediately.
While boarding a plane to rehab, she issued a public apology on Instagram, admitting, “I was drunk last night. I’m checking 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. I’ll let y’all know how rehab is—I hear it’s super fun.”
Now, months later, Andress is focused on healing and reclaiming her career. She hopes her story can inspire others who may be struggling with addiction, proving that even in the darkest moments, a fresh start is always possible.
WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW BELOW
Ingrid Andress: Addiction and Recovery was originally published on hankfm.com
