Births on April 9

Jackie Evancho, American singer

Jacqueline Marie Evancho (pronounced ee-VANG-koh), born on April 9, 2000, is an acclaimed American classical crossover singer whose exceptional talent garnered her widespread recognition from a remarkably young age. As a classical crossover artist, Evancho masterfully blends traditional classical music elements with contemporary popular genres, creating a unique and accessible sound that appeals to a broad audience. Since her professional debut in 2009, she has built an impressive discography, including a platinum-selling Extended Play (EP) and eight full-length albums, with three of these making a notable splash by debuting in the top 10 on the prestigious Billboard 200 chart. Her artistry has also been showcased through three solo concert specials aired on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), bringing her ethereal voice to millions of homes across the nation.

Evancho's journey into the spotlight began subtly between 2008 and 2010. During this period, she honed her skills by entering various talent competitions, demonstrating her burgeoning vocal prowess. A notable early public performance included singing the United States national anthem at a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game, a traditional platform where young talents often gain local exposure. In 2009, she independently released her first album, Prelude to a Dream, a testament to her early ambition. Concurrently, her performances began attracting significant interest on YouTube, a then-burgeoning platform that allowed her unique talent to reach a global audience organically. However, it was in 2010, at the tender age of ten, that Jacqueline Evancho truly captivated the American public. Her participation in the fifth season of NBC's hit reality competition, America's Got Talent, saw her deliver breathtaking performances that defied her age, ultimately securing a remarkable second-place finish and earning her immediate national recognition.

Breaking Records and Charting Success

Record-Setting Debut and Album Milestones

The immediate aftermath of America's Got Talent saw Evancho's career soar to unprecedented heights. Her 2010 holiday release, the O Holy Night EP, became an instant sensation, leading to a cascade of record-breaking achievements. It established her as the best-selling debut artist of 2010, underscoring her immense popularity. Furthermore, she became the youngest top-10 debut artist in U.S. history and the youngest solo artist ever to achieve platinum certification in the United States, a testament to selling over one million units. The momentum continued into 2011 with her first full-length studio album, Dream with Me, which debuted impressively at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. This success transcended national borders, as she simultaneously became the youngest top-5 debut artist in United Kingdom history, solidifying her international appeal. Recognizing her dominance in her genre, Billboard magazine honored Evancho by naming her the top Classical Albums Artist of 2011.

Prestigious Performances and Tours

Later in 2011, Evancho released another festive collection, the full-length holiday album Heavenly Christmas. That same year marked another significant milestone: she made history as the youngest person ever to present a solo concert at New York City's iconic Lincoln Center, a pinnacle for performing artists, as part of her inaugural concert tour. This tour allowed audiences across the country to experience her live performances, showcasing her profound vocal maturity and stage presence.

Diversification and Continued Artistic Journey

Albums, Acting, and Fashion

Jacqueline Evancho continued to evolve as an artist in the following years. In 2012, she released Songs from the Silver Screen, which became her third album to debut within the top 10, further cementing her commercial success. The year 2013 saw her headlining prestigious benefit concerts, notably at the legendary Carnegie Hall, another hallowed venue in the world of music. Beyond her vocal endeavors, Evancho also explored other artistic avenues. She made her acting debut in the 2013 Robert Redford film The Company You Keep, showcasing a different facet of her talent. Her versatile appeal also extended to the fashion world, where she modeled for Guess Kids clothing, demonstrating her growing influence across popular culture.

Sustained Chart Dominance and High-Profile Appearances

Her subsequent album releases continued to impress her dedicated fanbase and critics alike: Awakening (2014), Someday at Christmas (2016), Two Hearts (2017), and The Debut (2019). The 2019 release, The Debut, was particularly significant as it marked her eighth consecutive album to reach the No. 1 position on the US classical albums chart, a testament to her consistent artistic output and enduring popularity within her chosen genre. In 2017, Evancho again found herself on a national stage, performing the US national anthem at the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, an event watched by millions globally. That same year, she broke another record, becoming the youngest person ever to perform a concert series at the intimate and sophisticated Café Carlyle in New York City, a venue known for its exclusive cabaret performances. Throughout her career, Evancho has consistently embarked on concert tours to support each of her studio albums, fostering a strong connection with her audience. More recently, in 2020, she showcased her versatility and embraced a new challenge by appearing as a contestant on the popular reality television competition, The Masked Singer, introducing her unique voice to an even broader, mainstream audience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is classical crossover music?

Classical crossover is a musical genre that blends elements of classical music with other popular styles, such as pop, rock, or musical theatre. Artists like Jacqueline Evancho often perform classical pieces or arias with contemporary arrangements, or popular songs in a classical style, making the genre accessible to a wider audience.

How old was Jacqueline Evancho when she first gained widespread fame?

Jacqueline Evancho was ten years old when she gained widespread national attention for her performances on America's Got Talent in 2010.

Did Jacqueline Evancho win America's Got Talent?

No, Jacqueline Evancho finished as the runner-up, securing second place in the fifth season of America's Got Talent. Despite not winning, her memorable performances propelled her to immediate stardom.

What are some of Jacqueline Evancho's most notable achievements?

Her notable achievements include becoming the best-selling debut artist of 2010, the youngest top-10 debut artist in US history, and the youngest solo artist to go platinum in the US. She has also been the youngest top-5 debut artist in UK history, named Billboard's top Classical Albums Artist of 2011, and is the youngest person to perform a solo concert at Lincoln Center and a concert series at Café Carlyle.

Has Jacqueline Evancho pursued anything beyond her music career?

Yes, in addition to her successful music career, she made her acting debut in the 2013 Robert Redford film The Company You Keep and has also ventured into modeling, notably for Guess Kids clothing.

What was Jacqueline Evancho's most recent major public appearance mentioned here?

According to the provided text, her most recent major public appearance was in 2020 as a contestant on the popular reality television competition, The Masked Singer.