Plainfield East Teen to Sing National Anthem at Chicago Cubs Game

Seventeen-year-old Nikki Hayes, of Bolingbrook, will sing the National Anthem at Tuesday night's Chicago Cubs baseball game. 

Hayes is a senior at Plainfield East High School in Plainfield School District 202.

Tuesday's home game against the Texas Rangers will honor Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. 

“I am so excited to be singing ‘The National Anthem’ at the Chicago Cubs game and to be performing at the tribute to Jackie Robinson,” Hayes said.

“I’ve always admired Mr. Robinson for his commitment to persevere in spite of the odds, so to be a part of this tribute is amazing. I am beyond grateful to the Cubs for the invitation.” 

Hayes is a pop/R&B singer, songwriter, self-taught musician, dancer and “actress in training.”

A former member of the Bolingbrook Park District (BPD) JAMM team, Hayes is also a featured performer at the annual “Simply Grace” concert in support of fellow BPD Danceforce member and friend Grace Kopasz, who suffers from a debilitating condition called Chronic Daily Migraine Syndrome.

When she is not in school or studying, Hayes utilizes her time to build her brand, be it in the studio, writing songs, or performing across the Chicago area at such events as “Africa in Chicago” at Navy Pier, “Celebrate My Drive,” sponsored by State Farm Insurance, the UniverSoul Circus and the African Festival of the Arts, as well as guest performances with The Shirley King Band; 290 East; and the Toronzo Cannon Blues Band.

Hayes was also recently selected one of the top 20 contestants in the “Who’s Next? Worldwide Internet Talent Search," sponsored by four-time Grammy Award winning songwriter, vocal producer, arranger and engineer Kuk Harrell. Harrell has worked with some of the biggest artists in the music business, including Usher; Celine Dion; Mary J. Blige; Justin Bieber and others.

Editor's note: This is a press release from Hayes' family.