NewsMets inviting fans to sing anthem
Search starts Monday; winner to perform before Mets gameBy Marty Noble / MLB.com
04/28/09 7:45 PM ET
NEW YORK -- Oh say, can you sing? If you can, consider the possibilities, consider the opportunity to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" before a Mets game at Citi Field. The opportunity could be yours, and come Monday, you can begin the pursuit of chase.The Mets are to stage their annual National Anthem Search at their new ballpark, beginning at 11 a.m. ET on Monday. The eventual winner will sing the anthem prior to a 2009 Mets home game.
Those who survive the first round of competition advance to the final round of auditions at Citi Field in the weeks ahead. Five contestants will be selected from the final group and perform the national anthem at five games later this season. The Anthem Search winners will join the ranks of previous anthem singers for Mets games that include Marc Anthony, June Carter and Johnny Cash, Kristin Chenoweth, Glenn Close, Sheryl Crow, Art Garfunkel, Wyclef Jean, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Aaron Neville, *NSYNC, Rihanna, Carly Simon, and the casts of "West Side Story," "Mamma Mia!" and "South Pacific."
The first 100 people to register for competition are guaranteed an audition and an opportunity to perform a song of their choice -- excluding the national anthem -- a cappella. The auditions are free and open to all ages. Those younger than 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Those seeking to audition for the Anthem Search began lining up as early as 4 a.m. outside the SNY studios in Manhattan. Singer Michael Amante, who performed the anthem regularly at Shea Stadium, SNY anchorman Gary Apple and PIX 11 sports anchor Lolita Lopez will serve as judges.
For additional information, log on to Mets.com or LosMets.com, or call (718) 559-3119.
Marty Noble is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
