Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Ingrid Andress Sings the National Anthem Again—Here’s How It Went

Ingrid Andress takes a second shot at the National Anthem, aiming for redemption after her infamous first performance sparked backlash.
by
  • Riley is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful coverage of the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Riley developed her expertise at Billboard and People magazine, focusing on feature stories and music reviews.
  • Riley has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies.

The National Anthem can turn a singer into a legend or the internet’s favorite punching bag. Just ask Ingrid Andress.

Last summer, she took the field at the MLB Home Run Derby. She delivered what might go down as one of the most painful anthem performances in country music history. Off-key, off-rhythm, and visibly off her game, it didn’t take long for fans to speculate that something was wrong. The next day, Ingrid didn’t try to spin it—she admitted she was drunk, apologized, and checked herself into rehab.

Fast forward seven months, and Ingrid stepped up to the mic again. But this time, the big question wasn’t if she could sing—could she earn back the respect she lost.

Her Second Chance—A Step in the Right Direction

On February 28, 2025, Ingrid made her return at a Colorado Avalanche hockey game in her home state. There was no big announcement beforehand—just her, standing at center ice, ready for redemption.

And compared to last time? It was miles better. No slurring, no awkward pauses—just Ingrid singing the anthem as it was meant to be sung. Her voice still had a slight shakiness, especially on the higher notes. Still, she held it together and delivered a respectable performance.

The crowd inside Ball Arena responded with loud cheers, and many on social media saw it as a redemption moment. Walker Hayes commented, “Come on!!!!!!! So so so good.” Parson James added, “What an incredibly powerful way to move forward.”

One fan wrote on Instagram, “So glad to see this! Killing it!” Another chimed, “She deserves a second chance, and she proved she can do it sober.”

But not everyone was convinced.

Not Everyone’s Ready to Move On

While some fans were happy to see her bounce back, others weren’t impressed. A few skeptics on social media claimed her voice still wasn’t strong enough, with one X user writing, “Yeah, better than last time, but still not great.” Another harshly commented, “She sounds like someone trying to prove they can sing after too many drinks at karaoke.”

RELATED: Jon Batiste Delivers Unique Super Bowl National Anthem Performance

Then there were the unfair jabs, with some questioning whether she was even sober—an unnecessary and low-blow take.

But the difference this time? The negativity didn’t overshadow the performance.

Why Do People Care So Much About the National Anthem?

Singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” is one of the toughest tests for any artist. It’s a song with a massive vocal range; if you mess it up, there’s nowhere to hide. Some singers rise to the occasion and create magic—others crash and burn.

Look at Chris Stapleton’s 2023 Super Bowl performance for proof of how powerful this song can be. With just his guitar and that raw, soul-stirring voice, he delivered a version so moving that NFL players had tears running down their faces. That’s what happens when an artist connects with the song and the moment.

Ingrid’s anthem wasn’t that. But it also wasn’t the disaster people expected.

What’s Next for Ingrid?

Rumors swirl that she’s been working on new music, and this performance could be the first step in reshaping her narrative. Whether country fans fully embrace her comeback remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—she didn’t let one bad night define her.

Redemption stories are a big part of country music, and Ingrid Andress is writing hers in real-time. Are people ready to turn the page with her or not? Well, that’s up to them.

Latest Stories

Blake Shelton smiles on stage with guitar and mic during Vegas show, putting his own spin on George Strait’s classic.

Blake Shelton Nails George Strait Classic With His Own Spin on “All My Ex’s Live in Texas”

Sometimes you don’t mess with a George Strait classic, unless you’re Blake Shelton standing under the Vegas lights with a grin that says you’re about to pay tribute and stir ...

Dolly Parton smiles during Khloé podcast interview, sitting by mic and lamp as she shares why she won't stop sharing faith.

Dolly Parton Says People Tell Her To Stop Talking About Her Faith But She Won’t Listen

If there’s one thing you can count on Dolly Parton for, it’s that she’ll say exactly what’s on her heart and not give a single rhinestone what anyone thinks. In ...

Little Mississippi boy in plaid shirt smiles at mic during preschool graduation where he recited New Testament books and sang a George Strait classic.

4-Year-Old Boy Recites New Testament Books Then Belts Out ‘All My Ex’s Live in Texas’

If there’s ever been a preschool graduation that screams “God bless the South,” this is it. Somewhere in Mississippi, a four-year-old kid just made the entire congregation beam with pride ...

Young George Strait smiling on stage playing guitar in 1987 when “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” hit No. 1 and proved he ran country.

On This Day in 1987, George Strait Hit No. 1 with ‘All My Ex’s Live in Texas’ and Proved He Ran Country

Sometimes a song just cements your throne forever, and for George Strait, it was a little tongue-in-cheek love letter that made every Texan proud to claim him as their king. ...

Scotty McCreery with his wife and both grandmothers, who he revealed passed away hours apart in a heartbreaking double loss.

Scotty McCreery Reveals Both His Grandmothers Died Hours Apart in Heartbreaking Double Loss

You just don’t see some country heartbreaks coming, and this one hit Scotty McCreery straight in the soul. This week, the North Carolina native and Opry favorite shared the gut-wrenching ...

Brooks & Dunn performing on stage together, fitting their story about admitting they struggled to get along for years.

Brooks and Dunn Admit They Struggled to Get Along for Years and Tried to Blow It Real Hard

Country music’s greatest duo was basically a bar fight waiting to happen. When Brooks & Dunn stormed out of the gate with “Brand New Man” in 1991, it looked like ...

LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian smiling outdoors, not taken when she spoke about feeling hated after their affair scandal.

LeAnn Rimes Says So Many Women Hated Her After Affair With Eddie Cibrian and She Felt Like a Target

Ain’t every country ballad pretty, and LeAnn Rimes knows her verse is messy as hell. View this post on Instagram A post shared by leann rimes cibrian (@leannrimes) Back in ...

Jana Kramer with husband Allan Russell and her kids outdoors, not taken when she admitted she sometimes skips sunscreen.

Jana Kramer Admits She Skips Sunscreen Sometimes on Her Kids and Feels Fine About It

“Come at me.” That’s Jana Kramer’s whole vibe right now, and boy, they sure are. Turns out you don’t have to drop a scandalous album or torch an ex on ...

Kenny Rogers’ twin sons Justin and Jordan just turned 21 and fans say they look just like the late country music legend now.

Kenny Rogers’ Twin Sons Just Turned 21 and Fans Say They Look Just Like Him Now

A couple of chocolate cakes, two wide grins, and a whole lot of “They look just like their daddy”. That’s how Kenny Rogers’ twin sons rang in their milestone 21st ...

Waylon Jennings once called Garth Brooks the most insincere person he ever saw

Waylon Jennings Once Said Garth Brooks Was the Most Insincere Person He Ever Saw

Sometimes you need an old outlaw to call out what everyone else is too polite to say out loud. Back when Nashville was shape-shifting in the ’80s and ’90s, country ...