The Queens courts where tennis legends are born also serve as a stage for rising musical talent.
The US Open Anthem Auditions are back for a 12th year in 2018, allowing children 14 years of age or younger to submit an online audition for the chance to sing “America the Beautiful” live in Arthur Ashe Stadium during this year’s US Open, with thousands of fans in attendance.
This is the fourth year the audition process is taking place online.
“As we head into the 50th anniversary of the US Open, how exciting will it be for this year’s winners to perform during our grandest year yet," said Gordon Smith, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, USTA. “Looking back, every anthem performance has been outstanding by some of our nation’s very talented youth. The future is certainly bright, and we are thrilled to continue bringing on an array of young talent who will not only warm our hearts through their renditions but will add to the celebration of our great tournament."
To enter the competition, all contestants, age 14 or younger as of Sept. 9, 2018, must upload a recorded version of themselves performing all or a portion of “America the Beautiful” a cappella by May 11.
All entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges from the music and entertainment industry.
A select number of contestants from the online submissions will be invited to participate in an in-person call-back audition in New York City on June 26. Applicants will be asked to perform all or a portion of “American the Beautiful” in front of a panel of judges, in hopes of capturing a coveted spot and the chance to perform live at the US Open.
The selected winners will go on to perform “America the Beautiful” live during the night sessions at the 2018 US Open, which will be held Aug. 27 to Sept. 9.
The USTA will make its final singer selections in early July. Those selected will receive a US Open gift bag and tickets to their performance session.
For additional information, including FAQs and the official rules, visit the US Open Anthem Auditions homepage.
