When most people picture national anthem singers, they picture star performers like Gladys Knight, Demi Lovato, and Mickey Guyton. But Syracuse University has proven that star power isn’t limited by age. On December 17, 2018, three-year-old Drake Grillo made Carrier Dome history when he took the microphone and began singing the national anthem in front of an audience of 6,000.
Most adults would have shuddered at the thought of singing in front of such a large audience, but Drake was unfazed. Despite his age, he was ready to share his voice with the crowd. His mother knelt beside him in support, but Drake Grillo didn’t spare his mother a look. He was too engrossed in the emotional performance of his patriotic song. As people who have sung the national anthem know, remembering all the lyrics under pressure is no small feat.
Even skilled performers struggled to keep all the words together. But the brilliant three-year-old had no problem keeping all the lyrics straight.
Drake sang each of the verses as loud as he could with his adorable lisp, and the audience couldn’t get enough.
As the young child sang the last verse of the national anthem, the entire audience beamed with joy. Whether you’re patriotic or not, this adorable little one is sure to put a smile on your face.
