Jackie Evancho, the teenage opera prodigy who wowed audiences on America’s Got Talent, will sing the National Anthem as a duet with Italian opera star Andrea Bocelli at Donald Trump’s Inauguration.
Trump’s Inaugural committee announced the lineup this morning on Twitter, calling Evancho an “inspiration.”
Honored to have @jackieevancho performing the National Anthem at the @TrumpInaugural Ceremony. She's an inspiration for all Americans! #MAGA
— Boris Epshteyn (@BorisEP) December 14, 2016
The 16-year-old, who was the first runner-up on America’s Got Talent in 2010, told the TODAY Show that she was “so excited” to be able to perform at such a huge event, and called it a “great honor.”
“I am so excited. It’s going to be awesome,” the soprano said. “I felt really honored to be able to sing for the office.”
But social media trolls were quick to do everything they could to rain on the teen’s parade. Almost immediately, Evancho’s Twitter feed was full of bullying and harassing messages, profanity and claims that Evancho was “supporting bigotry” by performing for “Mango Mussolini.”
.@jackieevancho Thanks a lot for supporting fascist trump! Hope your career goes down in flames!
— Swamp Thing in Chief (@barney_cannon) December 14, 2016
@jackieevancho Couldn't get any gigs at Nazi rallies? Trump instead? #pussygrabber
— broncofisch (@broncofisch) December 14, 2016
@jackieevancho no record label will touch u now,cos u r tainted by trump,this is all anyone will ever know u 4 now, not your squeaky singing
— Simon Noble (@simonnoble58) December 14, 2016
@jackieevancho nothing more disgusting than a sellout unless you actually support bigotry, which who knows, maybe you do.
— Mr. 310 (@ThankYouMamba) December 14, 2016
@jackieevancho I seriously hope you will NOT promote racism & bigotry by singing for Trump in January. This is NOT going help your career
— Ron Israel (@RonIsrael) December 14, 2016
@jackieevancho really trump girl? Fuck you!!
— Fiera (@Jcavion20) December 14, 2016
Jackie Evancho is a very talented singer, but I always thought she was creepy. Now I'll think of her as even creepier.
— felicia the critic (@felicianista) December 14, 2016
Are you on drugs @jackieevancho? Do you even realize what are selling out to?
— Max Christensen (@MaxGirlsWonder) December 14, 2016
Evancho is, of course, non-partisan, and not just because she has yet to cast her first vote. After her performance on AGT in 2010, she helped President Barack Obama light the national Christmas tree. She performed “God Bless America” at this year’s “Capitol Fourth” celebration on the National Mall in DC.
