This article may rely excessively on sources too closely associated with the subject, potentially preventing the article from being verifiable and neutral. (December 2015) |
Branden James | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Branden James Smith |
Born | Anaheim, California | June 19, 1978
Origin | Los Angeles, California, United States |
Genres | Opera, Classical Crossover |
Instrument | Vocals |
Website | brandenjames |
Branden James Smith (born June 19, 1978),[1] known as Branden James, is an American tenor who has performed as a soloist with American symphony orchestras.[2][3][4][5] James came to prominence as a contestant on America's Got Talent during the show's eighth season.[6]
James has been a "regular soloist" for the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California and has also performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" for the Chicago Bulls, the Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago Whitesox in Chicago, Illinois.[4][7] He also sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the 2014 Gay Games held in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio.[4] In 2007, he "appeared in concert at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Rome for Pope Benedict XVI celebrating the occasion of his 80th birthday."[4][8] He also performed for Nelson Mandela's family in South Africa,[4] and has made television appearances in Denmark, Norway, Romania, South Africa, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.[4] He has also performed around the world as part of the 12 Tenors.[9]
As a judge on the eighth season of America's Got Talent, Heidi Klum praised James: "I love Branden James. I feel like he has that natural gift, you know, he has that beautiful, beautiful voice that gives me chills."[6]