 | 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 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Branden James Smith |
| Born | June 19, 1978 Anaheim, California |
| 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]
- ^ "The Birth of Branden James Smith". The California Birth Index. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
- ^ Community: Orchestra's first benefit pulls huge support
- ^ America's got a tenor – and a local story
- ^ a b c d e f About Branden James
- ^ "The Pat Boone Celebrity Roast Branden James Red Carpet Interview". Archived from the original on November 4, 2015. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
- ^ a b Branden James Croons His Way Into Top 12 on 'America's Got Talent' Archived December 11, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Branden James Performing The National Anthem at Lakers vs. Bulls. Staples Center, 1/29/15
- ^ Branden James "The Voice of Christmas" with special guest Marisa Buchheit – 12/19 Archived April 1, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ MUSIC Branden James talks new EP, coming out on TV