Columbus native Goncalves to perform at Crew game
Deshawn Goncalves performed for a television audience of millions when he was a contestant on "American Idol" earlier this year.
But he'll be facing his largest live audience when he sings the "National Anthem" for a soccer game between the Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Lower.com Field in the Arena District.
The 20-year-old Columbus native, who finished ninth in the spring's "American Idol" competition, now lives in Cleveland. He has been spending the summer performing at private events and working on an album, which he plans to release by the end of the year.
And he is back in school, attending virtual classes at Jackson State University in Mississippi so that he can devote equal time to his schoolwork and his music career.
Goncalves has also been busy warming up for the soccer stadium performance.
“I've just been practicing and practicing,” he said, speaking by phone from his home in Cleveland.
“I've always wanted to sing the 'National Anthem,' especially at some big stadium like the Crew stadium, so this is going to be really epic for me. It's been a long time since I've been in front of a large, live crowd, and I can't wait to hear those people screaming.”
The Friday night game, dubbed the “Hell Is Real” competition between the Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati, is a competition named for the massive sign familiar to those who travel Interstate 71 between Columbus and Cincinnati.
Before the game begins, fans are invited to take part in a “March to the Match,” which will step off at 5:45 p.m. from Battelle Plaza, 103 W. Nationwide Blvd. Members of the 2022 Special Olympics Team Ohio will be signing autographs at the Plaza before the March. The ceremonial goal kick before the match will be taken by 2022 Special Olympics Team athlete Josiah Tanga.
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