While visiting the Lincoln Memorial with her family on June 16, a Florida high school assistant principal became an overnight viral sensation after delivering an incredible impromptu performance of the National Anthem. The video of the moving rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner has already received more than 15 million views on Facebook, and the viral vocalist, Star Swain, has now made an appearance on “Good Morning America” to perform the anthem on national television.
“I’m feeling absolutely wonderful. I’m super excited,” Swain told ABC prior to her performance. “There have been so many wonderful comments, so many expressions of love and support that have been coming. Also opportunities for different interviews with national broadcasting networks, so there have been a lot of amazing things happening.”
Videos by PopCulture.com
Swain, who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in education policy and evaluation, has stated that her recently newfound fame has opened up the possible opportunity for her to pursue a career as a singer. “There are plenty of people that are asking, ‘What are my plans from this moment forward?’ I’ve always dreamed of singing professionally,” Swain mentioned. “This is not my first time. I don’t just do it for fun, although it is fun. I’m hoping this will allow me the opportunity to continue to share my voice with the world.”
Swain’s viral performance at the Lincoln Memorial has garnered a vast amount of high praise on Facebook from viewers of the initial rendition of the National Anthem. One Facebook user remarked, “With everything going on in the world, to hear your rendition brought me to tears. Thank you for sharing. Haven’t heard it sung this good since Whitney [Houston]. You are awesome. I’m sure the world will know you soon.”
An active duty service member also moved by Swain’s performance wrote, “This gave me chills!!! What a beautiful gift and talent! See how God commanded attention and quieted everyone! Beautifully done! Sung with such conviction! As a Soldier, hearing the anthem is another reminder of why I’ve continued to serve such a nation!”
Check out the original performance below:
Good luck to Star Swain in all of her future musical endeavors.
