Former ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ star Trace Adkins sings at GOP convention

Country star and former “Celebrity Apprentice” contestant Trace Adkins performed the national anthem at the Republican National Convention Wednesday evening.

The singer performed the anthem at Fort McHenry, Md., the site at which Francis Scott Key wrote the words during the War of 1812 as the fort held off a British naval attack. President Trump and first lady Melania Trump joined Vice President Pence and second lady Karen Pence onstage for the performance. The four left the stage to mingle with the crowd following the anthem.

Adkins was a runner-up on the Trump-hosted show’s 2008 season, later winning its 2013 season. Adkins has been a longtime, vocal supporter of the GOP and performed at the party’s 2012 convention. He also performed the anthem at then-Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam’s (R) second inauguration in 2015.

Although the coronavirus pandemic has complicated live entertainment at both conventions, the Democratic National Convention and Republican National Convention this year have both featured several musical performances. Artists who performed at the Democratic convention last week included Billie Eilish and the Chicks.