WHITE PLAINS, July 17, 2018 (Press Release)
The USTA announced that GRAMMY Award winning music sensation Kelly Clarkson will headline the Opening Night Ceremony of the 2018 US Open. The performance will take place in Arthur Ashe Stadium prior to the evening session on Monday, August 27.
Clarkson’s performance will be the centerpiece of the ceremony which will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the US Open, and will include former US Open champions, USTA Chairman of the Board and President Katrina Adams and other special guests. The ceremony will conclude with a special rendition of the National Anthem by a performer to be named later.
“We are honored to have such a talented performer join us in this very special year,” said USTA Chairman of the Board and President Katrina Adams. “Kelly Clarkson’s musical versatility, her unparalleled presence and of course her voice, will make this a night to remember.”
Clarkson, who recently released her critically acclaimed eighth studio album, “Meaning of Life,” is among the most popular artists of this era with total worldwide sales of more than 25 million albums and 36 million singles. The Texas-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter first came to fame in 2002 as the winner of the inaugural season of “American Idol.” Clarkson’s debut single, “A Moment Like This,” followed and quickly went to #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, ultimately ranking as the year’s best-selling single in the U.S. Further, Clarkson is, without doubt, one of pop’s top singles artists, with 17 singles boasting multi-platinum, platinum and gold certifications around the world, including such global favorites as “Miss Independent” and “Because of You.” Clarkson has released eight studio albums (Thankful, Breakaway, My December, All I Ever Wanted, Stronger, Wrapped In Red, Piece By Piece, Meaning of Life), one greatest hits album, and two children’s books (New York Times Top 10 best seller River Rose and the Magical Lullaby and the recent follow up River Rose and the Magical Christmas).
She is the recipient of an array of awards including three GRAMMY Awards, four American Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, two Academy of Country Music Awards, two American Country Awards, and one Country Music Association Award. She is also the first artist to top each of Billboard’s pop, adult contemporary, country and dance charts. This past year, Clarkson hosted the “2018 Billboard Music Awards” in addition to appearing and winning as coach on the 14th season of The Voice. She will reclaim her red chair for the series’ 15th season, premiering this fall.
The US Open is scheduled for August 27 through September 9, with the US Open Fan Week and Qualifying Tournament beginning on August 21.
