BALTIMORE, May 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- World-renowned tenor Anthony Kearns will be the featured performer during a special Military Tribute at the 141^st Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 21, 2016, it was announced.  Kearns will sing "America the Beautiful" between 5:30 and 6 p.m. ET.

"We're pleased to welcome the very talented tenor, Anthony Kearns, back to sing during the Military Tribute of the Preakness Stakes, the Middle Jewel in the Triple Crown," said Sal Sinatra, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club.

The Military Tribute is a part of the Preakness' celebration of Armed Forces Day which honors Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches – the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard. Television coverage of the Preakness is expected on NBC Sports Network starting at 5 p.m.ET.

Mr. Kearns said his appearance at the Preakness Stakes combines two of his great passions: music and horses. "I have a great fondness for horses which goes back to my childhood. Adding to this, I am honored to perform during the special military tribute," he said. "This truly will be a special moment for me."

Kearns, who sang at the Preakness Stakes in 2012, said he is excited that his return to the historic track will coincide with trainer Doug O'Neill's recent Kentucky Derby victory with Nyquist. O'Neill had two back-to-back victories in 2012 with "I'll Have Another," but ended his quest for the Triple Crown before the Belmont Stakes.

"I'm delighted to return to the Preakness Stakes and to sing at a tribute to America's military, who defend freedom around the world," said Kearns, adding that perhaps he would "bring a bit of the Irish luck," to Doug O'Neill, J. Paul Reddam and the Nyquist team.

Besides Mr. Kearns, the ceremony (weather permitting) will include the Navy's Fat Albert flyover (with the first female pilot, who happens to be from Maryland), the presentation of the Colors on the ground, and more. The Fat Albert is the Navy's C-130 transport plane. It will be flown by the Navy's Blue Angels.

Kearns, who now resides in the U.S., hails from County Wexford, Ireland – home of famed Irish horse trainer Aidan O'Brien – and many great horse breeders, trainers and jockeys.

Kearns took the American television audience by storm in 1999 as the youngest member of the wildly popular musical group, The Irish Tenors.  He has a robust international solo career, delighting audiences with performances that draw from a wide variety of opera, folk music, classical and international favorites. Kearns frequently performs at charity concerts for military, veterans and their families; on television, in operas, and with the finest symphony orchestras in the world.

Mr. Kearns has had the honor to sing for three U.S. Presidents, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Medal of Honor recipients, and at the Pre-Mass concert in Philadelphia for Pope Francis.  He is presently in the Washington DC area for two performances at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Mr. Kearns' appearance was arranged by Kirsten Fedewa & Associates, L.L.C.

SOURCE Anthony Kearns