A pair of talented singers will join the World-class tennis talent slated to play the BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden on February 28, 2011. GRAMMY Award Winning R&B recording artist Gloria Gaynor will perform her No. 1 single “I Will Survive” while Tony-nominated Broadway star Melissa Ericco will sing the National Anthem.
Both performances will take place before John McEnroe plays Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras battles Andre Agassi at The World’s Most Famous Arena as part of BNP Paribas Showdown. The evening’s activities will get underway at 7 p.m.
Gaynor’s hit “I Will Survive” was recorded in 1978 and became No. 1 on Billboard’s Pop Chart in 1979. In 1980, Gaynor earned the only GRAMMY to ever be given for a Disco recording for “I Will Survive.” VH1 gave No. 1 to “I Will Survive” on its countdown of the Top 100 Dance Records of All Time. Gaynor is appearing at the BNP Paribas Showdown as a national spokesperson for Euflexxa®.
Errico, a New York native, got her break when she landed the role of Cosette in the First National Touring Company of “Les Miserables.” On Broadway, she has had roles in “My Fair Lady,” “High Society,” Amour” and “Dracula.” As a singer, Errico has recorded two albums. She has a unique connection to the BNP Paribas Showdown, as she is McEnroe’s sister-in-law, having married John’s brother Patrick, the former US Davis Cup Captain who will serve as a commentator for ESPN2’s coverage of the Showdown.
Renewing classic rivalries of the 80’s and 90’s, McEnroe and Lendl will compete in a one set pro match (first player to win eight games) followed by a best of three set match between Sampras and Agassi. The four all-time greats have won a combined 37 Grand Slam Singles titles and 295 ATP World Tour events.
Lendl’s match with McEnroe will be broadcast live on ESPN3 while Agassi against Sampras will air live beginning at 9 p.m. on ESPN2 in the U.S. and globally on ESPN International. MSG Network will rebroadcast the event on March 7 and March 14, beginning each night at 7 p.m.
Melissa was awesome
like three higher high notes after the high note. totally sweet