OPERA sensation Russell Watson is to sing at the spectacular Manchester Evening News fundraising event for families of the firefighters killed in the US terror attacks.
He is breaking a hectic work schedule in order to take part in the event at the M.E.N. Arena on Friday October 19th.
And he will be singing God Bless America, the song he performed in front of American President George W Bush at the White House.
The Salford tenor is singing at The Albert Hall the night before the Manchester date, and should have then been busy rehearsing for a fundraising event in Cardiff, which takes place the night after the Arena event.
But his manager Perry Hughes said today: ''He wanted to take part in the Manchester fundraiser so badly that he decided to forego the rehearsals.
''He thought God Bless America would be an highly appropriate song to sing in view of the nature of the occasion, the importance of the song to the American people, and the fact that he sang it in front of President Bush.''
White House
Russell, who has topped the classical music charts during the past year, was watched by millions on American TV when he sang at the White House.
But he had to learn the words to God Bless America specially, studying a song-sheet on the flight to Washington.
Mr Hughes said today: ''It was a hugely emotional occasion as I'm sure it will be at the M.E.N. Arena.''
Russell will sing for the Pope at the Vatican in December, and next month he is due to become the first artist to perform at the new Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, which is to become the home of the Oscars.
Russell - nicknamed The Voice - will sing at the start of the fundraising spectacular, which will feature a special charity challenge match between legends of Manchester City and Manchester United.
Entertainment
The match will be the centrepiece of a whole night's entertainment aimed at all the family.
Global companies, showbiz celebrities and the football community have all pledged their support.
The Arena is being provided free, and NCP is to slash car parking charges and donate money to the fund.
Hundreds of firefighters from across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire will also be in attendance to help swell the coffers.
Entertainment on the night will include a celebrity soccer match featuring soap stars, and there will be a spectacular raffle.
Admission to the event will be £3 for adults and £2 for concessions. A family ticket (two adults and two concessions) will cost £8. Tickets can be bought via the hotline on 0161-930-8000.
Soccer bosses Sir Alex Ferguson and Kevin Keegan will manage the teams of legends.
Players will include former Red Devils Bryan Robson, Frank Stapleton and Norman Whiteside and Maine Road favourites Nicky Reid, Paul Power and Paul Stewart.
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