Ingrid Andress is emerging stronger than ever after a stint in rehab. The 33-year-old just released "Footprints," a song she at one time thought she would never release. Written for her four younger siblings, Andress realized after coming out of rehab that she was ready to share the song with the rest of the world.
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"This song means so much to me that I didn't think I'd ever put it out," Andress says. "And now it resonates with me even more than when I wrote it. I was the first sibling to venture out on my own and pursue my dreams, and I think it's my role as an older sister to encourage them to do the same. I want them to learn from my mistakes, and to know that you can mess up and still keep moving forward. It doesn't feel great to fail, but it can end up making you stronger."
Ingrid Andress' Triumphant Return
"Footprints" comes after Andress' unfortunate performance of the national anthem last summer, ahead of the MLB's Home Run Derby. Andress was widely criticized following her performance, a painful experience that became a blessing in disguise for Andress, who ultimately entered rehab one day later.
"I'm checking myself into a facility today to get the help I need," Andress shared on social media. "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."
Fun or not, Andress has emerged a bolder and braver version of herself, as evident with "Footprints."
"It felt like the Band-Aid had been ripped off and I'd lost the fear of making my lyrics very specific to my experience," Andress now says. "Instead of trying to write songs that everyone can hear themselves in, I wanted to get back to being radically honest and really let my voice come through. It's so much more fulfilling, and I don't feel like I'm hiding anymore."
Andress also just proved she can sing the national anthem. She recently performed it at an Avalanche Minnesota Wild hockey game, rightfully earning thunderous applause for her rendition.
