Niall Horan is plenty used to playing some massive gigs, both during his time with band One Direction and as a solo artist. So you’d think there probably isn’t a performance which could scare him, but his latest show proved pretty intimidating for the star.
As Niall was invited to perform during the White House’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. Of course, the Mullingar man accepted and headed to Washington DC.
Taking to stage, he wished everyone a Happy Paddy’s Day before teasing that it was spelt with two d’s not tt’s, taking aim at the American pronunciation. Before thanking everyone for inviting him to the gig.
“Thanks very much for having me here, As a proud Irishman who travels the world, it’s a major honour for me to be here,” he told the crowd.
Continuing: “Thanks for putting me up to it. There’s a lot of talented Irish singers out there but to get chosen to represent your country on the grandest of stages is a real honour, so thanks very much.”
Kicking things off with his new track Heaven, before moving on to This Town, ending with the Irish folk song Spancil Hill.
In midst of his performance, Niall addressed the crowd, saying: “I’m not nervous, you are. I don’t think I’ve ever been so scared in my life.”
But despite his nerves, Niall put on a stellar show, and impressed all in attendance.
US President Joe Biden voiced his praise for the singer, gushing: “It’s amazing what song does, and you do it so well. Come back anytime.”
Also in attendance at the celebrations was an Irish delegation. Which included former Irish rugby player Rob Kearney, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and his partner Matt Barrett, and Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald.
