Ending what seemed like an endless cycle of rumors and denials (we know the President-elect hates getting turned down), Donald Trump has a performer for his inauguration on Jan. 20. 16 year-old opera singer Jackie Evancho announced on the Today show this morning, Dec. 14 that she will sing the national anthem.
Speaking on the Today show, Evancho said that she is "excited" and added, "It's going to be awesome." She notes that singing for the office "is a great honor for me."
She will follow in the footsteps of some A-List talent that current President Barack Obama brought to his inaugurations. He had Aretha Franklin alongside the United States Navy Band Sea Chanters at his first ceremony in 2009 and then in 2013 Beyoncé appeared with James Taylor, though it was later revealed Queen Bee lip synced the anthem.
This is not the first time she will have sung for a president. In 2010 she sang, "O Holy Night" at the National Christmas Tree Lighting hosted by President Obama. Then in 2012 she returned to Washington to perform at the National Prayer Breakfast.
She is also somewhat familiar with Trump as well. She met him six year ago in a picture that was posted on her Facebook, which probably didn't mean as much at the time, but is now much more meaningful.
Evancho first became famous after appearing on America's Got Talent in 2010 and has since gone on to release several top 10 singles and albums.
Trump was reportedly having difficulty finding an artist to sing the national anthem. Elton John's name was floated out there, as was Garth Brooks and both said no.
According to TMZ, there are negotiations with Andrea Bocelli to have him do a duet with Evancho, but nothing has been confirmed.
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