Back in August, 13-year-old Daniel Wright did something pretty cool.
He sang America the Beautiful in front of a full house at the U.S. Open, as part of a Military Appreciation Day ceremony.
Daniel, a resident of West Point, was one of 12 vocalists, age 14 or under, who performed patriotic-themed songs during the 2019 national tennis tournament. He is the son of Maj. Jeffrey and Maria Wright.
In a pre-event interview, Wright said he was “pretty nervous, but really excited at the same time” to perform.
He said he has been performing in community theater since age 11, and loves musical theater (specifically Phantom of the Opera and The SpongeBob Musical) and opera. “I love singing and how it makes me feel,” he said, noting that the day’s performance would be the largest crowd he’s ever sung in front of. When asked, Wright added that if he could choose anyone to sing on stage with, “it might be Michael Buble”.
Wright, who is home-schooled, was also asked in that interview about being an Army brat.
“It’s really different to be part of a military family,” he said, “just a different lifestyle. It’s been really great to see so many places in America.”
He said he loves living in New York now, and enjoyed living in Kansas as well. He also encouraged all to share in his patriotism.
His parents are super proud: “I’m always proud of my little man but this was a really special night for him,” Mrs. Wright said. “He was beaming with pride at having this amazing opportunity. It was quite the night.”
Other children who sang at the event were up-and-coming Broadway performers, and the children joined a group of music industry leaders who have performed at the event, including Kelly Clarkson, Lenny Kravitz, Ariana Grande, Rihanna, Phil Collins, Fitz and the Tantrums, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Diana Ross, Art Garfunkel, Aretha Franklin and Tony Bennett, to name a few.
Headlining this year’s Opening Night Ceremony will be Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning vocalist, actor and Atlantic Records recording artist Ben Platt of Broadway’s “Dear Evan Hansen.”