Every once in a while, an artist gets a moment that defines their career. For Christopher Macchio, a relatively little-known singer from Long Island, New York, that moment came on Monday when he was tapped to perform the national anthem at Donald Trump’s inauguration. With his rich tenor voice and an impressive resume, Macchio stepped into the spotlight in front of the nation, and his performance left a lasting impression.
A Late Discovery of an Extraordinary Talent
At 46 years old, Christopher Macchio’s journey to becoming “America’s tenor” was far from conventional. Growing up in Long Island, he didn’t initially consider a career in music. It wasn’t until a teacher recognized his vocal potential that Macchio began to realize the power of his voice. This newfound confidence led him to study classical voice at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, setting the stage for a successful career in classical and popular music.
Family has always been a cornerstone of Macchio’s life. As a devoted husband and father of three, he often credits his family’s support as a driving force behind his musical aspirations. Despite the demands of his career, he makes it a priority to stay grounded and connected to his roots.
From PBS to Carnegie Hall
Macchio’s professional debut came through a PBS concert special, which introduced his voice to a wider audience. Since then, he has graced the stages of some of the most iconic venues in the world, including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Performing alongside Andy Cooney and Daniel Rodriguez as part of the New York Tenors, Macchio has showcased his talent in front of diverse audiences.
Over the years, his versatility has allowed him to perform on major networks like Fox, NBC, ABC, and internationally on RAI. His repertoire includes guest appearances with renowned composer David Foster and roles in films like the mafia comedy “Don Q” and the faith-based biopic “Cabrini.”
Albums and Artistic Achievements
Macchio’s artistry extends to his recorded works as well. He has released two albums: Dolci Momenti (Sweet Moments) and the Christmas LP O Holy Night. Both albums showcase his ability to bring classical vocal techniques to popular and seasonal music, making his performances both technically brilliant and emotionally resonant.
Today, his net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, a testament to his growing success as a performer and recording artist.
A Connection to Donald Trump
Christopher Macchio’s introduction to Donald Trump happened serendipitously. About a decade ago, another singer backed out of a New Year’s Eve performance at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. A club member suggested Macchio as a last-minute replacement, and Trump flew him down from New York to perform. His performance left a lasting impression on the then-business mogul.
“He said, ‘Your voice is unbelievable, magnificent. I can’t tell who is better, you or Pavarotti,’” Macchio recalled during an interview with CBS News. This encounter marked the beginning of a long-standing relationship between Macchio and the Trump family.
Over the years, Macchio has performed at numerous Trump events, including rallies, campaign stops, and even Robert Trump’s funeral. Trump himself has often praised Macchio, calling him “Trump’s favorite singer” and highlighting his remarkable vocal talent in a sizzle reel.
Performing at the Inauguration
The opportunity to sing at Trump’s inauguration was a career-defining moment for Macchio. While the ceremony was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to freezing temperatures, limiting the audience to 600 guests instead of the anticipated 250,000, Macchio’s excitement remained undiminished.
“I was looking forward to seeing 100,000 people spread across the National Mall,” he told the Associated Press. “Unfortunately, I won’t be getting that visual while I perform, but it’s still going to be such a tremendous honor.”
A Believer in the Power of Music
Beyond politics, Macchio sees himself as a “believer in the unifying power of beautiful music.” His social media profiles reflect this sentiment, blending his support for Trump with his passion for music’s ability to bring people together.
“That is a primary goal of mine, to deliver a performance that can hopefully have that kind of effect and make people really proud to be a citizen of this great country,” he told CBS.