A talented little girl made “The Star Spangled Banner” look like child’s play.
Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja, 7, walked onto the field at the StubHub Center in Los Angeles on Sunday before the LA Galaxy’s game against the Seattle Sounders and completely blew the roof off (if there had been an actual roof to be blown).
The LA Galaxy described the performance as “one of the best national anthem performances in StubHub Center history.” People on Twitter were equally amazed by Malea Emma’s impressive pipes.
No one showed appreciation for Malea Emma’s talent quite like soccer superstar Zlatan Ibrahimović, who smiled like crazy during her performance and later praised the tiny wonder on Twitter.
Malea Emma seemed honored by the recognition.
The two met before the game and snapped an adorable photo.
Although Malea Emma made singing a difficult song like “The Star Spangled Banner” appear easy, getting the chance to perform at the game wasn’t so simple.
To get the gig, Malea Emma entered the soccer team’s #GalaxySocial Day Instagram Anthem contest, according to MLS website. She apparently crushed “many other applicants for the right to sing the anthem,” according to the league.
Her song may have inspired the team as well — they ended up beating the Sounders 3-0.