Singer with Down Syndrome Gets a Surprising Duet Partner
Here's one way to make sure your act is one of the most memorable performances of your school's talent show: a 16-year-old superfan of Darius Rucker got the surprise of his life when the country artist came out to sing with him during a talent show performance.
Frankie Antonelli has been performing Darius Rucker's songs since the 5th grade. He recently took the stage at Wando High School's annual talent show and sang Rucker's song "While I Still Got the Time." Little did he know, but the artist was waiting backstage!
Halfway through the song, Rucker came out to massive applause and sang with his fan. After closing the number, the artist gave Frankie a big hug - right before the teen unleashed a super-exciting jump in the air.
The performance was a truly extraordinary moment for Frankie, who has Down syndrome.
"Can't count how many people told us Frankie can't/won't because he has Down Syndrome," his mother, Debbie Antonelli, tweeted after the show. "WRONG! He can and will. Thanks @dariusrucker."
His mother was the one who put the whole thing together. Rucker lives in the same North Carolina town, and she and her husband, Frank, were friendly with Rucker through Frank's job. The country star knew Frankie was a huge fan, and had promised to sing with their son one day. Last week, he finally came through and gave the teen a night to remember the rest of his life.
"He's happy, he's healthy, he's funny, he's athletic... he is sweet and he is handsome," she said of her son. "He just happens to have Down syndrome. It doesn't define who he is. He is uninhibited and he loves to perform."
Check out the video of their talent show performance here - Darius enters the stage at about 3:15. What a great night for Frankie and his whole school!
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