Issue No. 3, 2025
In this issue of Crosswinds: We have had great success with our Branding Texas newsletter, which carefully tracks our state’s reputation inside and beyond the Texas borders. We now want to also provide, with this Crosswinds newsletter, an occasional compilation of our own views about our state and nation, along with insights and commentary on media, key issues, and culture. Additionally, this newsletter will share updates about the progress of our company and the accomplishments of our clients.
Thomas Graham
What Brands Can Learn From A Country Music Star And The National Anthem
Few songs hold as much weight as “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
It’s a test of vocal precision, emotional depth, and patriotism—all wrapped into a performance that demands absolute focus. As one country star once told me, “It’s the hardest song to sing, and one of my favorites.” The stakes are always high, but in today’s digital age, a misstep can be reputationally devastating.
Country singer Ingrid Andress learned that the hard way at last year’s MLB Home Run Derby when she publicly faltered in her performance of the anthem. It wasn’t just a shaky vocal—she later admitted she had been drinking before stepping onto the field. The backlash was swift, and in the age of social media, relentless. The gossip economy thrives on these moments—one viral clip, repeated endlessly, generating clicks, commentary, and criticism and billions in ad revenue for those sharing the news, but driving down the value of the individual’s reputation.
But what Andress did next is what truly defines reputation recovery.
Step One: Own It
Instead of offering excuses or fighting for the spotlight, Andress took the most difficult step first: she admitted fault. Her simple, unfiltered response—”I was drunk“—cut through speculation and took responsibility head-on. In crisis communication, we emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability. The public can forgive mistakes. What they won’t forgive is dishonesty, deflection, or a failure of leadership.
Step Two: Step Away, Do the Work
Many public figures, after a reputational hit, attempt to defend themselves, explain, or force a redemption arc too quickly. Andress did the opposite. She said on her Instagram page, I’m not going to bullshit ya’ll, I was drunk last night.” Then she stopped posting on social. She stepped back from the spotlight, allowing time to reflect, heal, and most importantly, do the work. Whether it meant addressing her relationship with alcohol, refocusing on her artistry, or simply preparing for her next big moment, she stayed out of the media circus.
Too often, leaders, brands, and celebrities rush their comebacks before they’ve done the internal work necessary for a real turnaround. True reputation repair happens behind the scenes—not in public arguments, not in defensive statements, and certainly not in Twitter fights.
Step Three: Redemption is Earned, Not Claimed
Friday night in Colorado, Andress delivered a flawless, emotionally charged rendition of the national anthem at an Avalanche game. The moment wasn’t just about hitting the right notes—it was about demonstrating growth, resilience, and readiness. The crowd cheered her on, rooted for her success, and embraced her redemption.
This is the essence of reputation recovery done right. Andress didn’t demand forgiveness. She didn’t stage a comeback tour. She did the work, and when the next opportunity came, she was ready.
A Lesson in Leadership
As someone who works in corporate crises communications on a daily basis, I personally swelled with joy watching her social media post of her performance, especially the moment backstage when she hugged her manager and said, “We’re back baby!”
Isn’t that what all brands, corporations or public figures who face a crisis want? To exclaim with joy, “We’re back baby!”
The public forgives mistakes—but they don’t forgive a failure of leadership. Leadership isn’t about never failing; it’s about how you respond when you do.
Ingrid Andress’s return to the anthem stage wasn’t just a personal victory—it was a masterclass in crisis recovery. When leaders take accountability, step back to reflect, and come back prepared, the public takes notice. They don’t just forgive; they support.
The cheers in Colorado last night weren’t just for a great performance. They were for a comeback done right. And that’s a message we can all learn from.
Thomas Graham, president and CEO of Crosswind Media & Public Relations in Austin TX, is also the author of the Branding Texas column, which keeps a sharp eye on the way Texas is perceived by media and influencers beyond the borders of the Lone Star State.
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