At the culmination of President Donald Trump's inauguration, operatic vocalist Christopher Macchio delivered a resounding rendition of the national anthem that reverberated through the air. Clad in an elegant midnight blue velvet jacket, paired with dark trousers and a crisp, tie-less white shirt, Macchio commanded the stage as he sang "The Star-Spangled Banner," clasping the microphone in his left hand with confidence. The gathering in the Capitol Rotunda stood in respectful silence, some placing their hands over their hearts, while Trump stood at salute, reflecting the gravity of the moment.
Macchio tackled the song's more intricate passages with effortless ease, his voice soaring above the instrumental accompaniment, his eyes squinting intently as he reached the final, resounding notes. Upon concluding his performance, Macchio promptly turned to Trump, shaking his hand with a broad smile and raising a fist triumphantly as he departed the vicinity of the presidential podium.
An Italian-American crossover singer of classic repertoire (unrelated to actor Ralph Macchio), Macchio excels both as a soloist and as a member of the esteemed New York Tenors. His relationship with Trump spans nearly a decade, dating back to when he stepped in at the eleventh hour to entertain at a New Year's Eve bash at Mar-a-Lago. Their friendship was further cemented when Macchio lent his voice to the 2020 memorial service for Trump's brother, Robert.
The 46-year-old Long Island native also graced the stage at the 2020 Republican National Convention, enchanting the audience with his interpretations of "Nessun Dorma," "Ave Maria," and "God Bless America," and reprised his role at the 2024 convention. He was invited by Trump to serenade the crowd at his return rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, mere months after an assassination attempt marred the site.
Sharing his excitement with Fox 5 New York, Macchio recounted how, upon receiving the call informing him that he was Trump's "first and only choice" to sing the national anthem, "I exclaimed 'yes' with enthusiasm and pounded my kitchen's marble countertop a resounding 20 times, repeating 'yes' each time... I strive to impart music in a manner that evokes an emotional response in all who hear it."
Macchio has released two critically acclaimed albums, titled "Dolci Momenti" and "O Holy Night," and in 2024, he made his acting debut as an Italian singer in the biographical film "Cabrini," further diversifying his illustrious career.
