Ingrid Andress spoke out about her viral, “drunk” performance of the National Anthem — and her recent comeback — in a new interview shared on Wednesday (March 5).

The singer-songwriter, 33, said it was “my worst moment,” when she took the mic at the MLB Home Run Derby in July 2024 in Arlington, Texas. Andress told Rolling Stone that she “never let it [drinking] get in the way of my performance,” until that botched rendition, followed by an apology and a promise to get help for her drinking. She said in the interview that she “didn’t run that statement by anybody,” amid the inescapable posts about the performance. “It broke my heart. I had to stop reading comments because I couldn’t handle how deeply it hurt.”

“I’m not gonna bullsh*t y’all, I was drunk last night. 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. I’ll let y’all know how rehab is I hear it’s super fun. Xo, Ingrid.”

Hours after posting her apology, Andress headed to a rehab facility in an undisclosed location, where she reflected on “a grieving period I never gave myself” after a few significant life changes within a few fast-paced years. She told Rolling Stone she “felt like America’s punching bag. I became a way to unite America. It was like, ‘At least we can all agree that this girl botched the anthem.’ I’ll be the punching bag for sure, but I didn’t commit a crime. It felt very extreme for what the situation was.” However, Andress credited Elle King, Kelsea Ballerini and Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town among those who offered support during that difficult time.

Andress spend just over a month in rehab, and about six months in Colorado, out of the public eye. She confirmed she’s working on new music, and has already released “Footprints,” a ballad with a heartfelt message. Andress, who performed the National Anthem again over the weekend for Denver-based NHL team Colorado Avalanche, said on Monday (March 3) that the song “is a reminder to all the people I love the most, and also to myself, that I’m out here trying my best at this “life” thing, and if there’s any helpful guidance anyone can take from it, it’s all worth it. Here’s to making it worse, making it right, and making it.” Listen to “Footprints” below, and find her full Rolling Stone interview here.