Not a bad place to spend St. Patrick’s Day whatsoever.
Niall Horan had a special St. Patrick’s Day this year as he got the opportunity to perform in front of US President Joe Biden at the White House.
The One Direction singer turned solo artist performed four songs in front of dignitaries as part of the traditional shamrock ceremony.
Among other Irish guests were Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald.
“Thanks very much for having me here,” Horan said when he took the stage. “As a proud Irishman who travels the world, it’s a major honour for me to be here.
“Thanks for putting me up to it. There’s a lot of talented Irish singers out there but to get chosen to represent your country on the grandest of stages is a real honour, so thanks very much.”
The singer performed new track Heaven, before playing This Town which is about his home town of Mullingar, Co Westmeath. Between songs he joked about his nerves, saying: “I don’t think I’ve ever been so scared in my life.”
He capped off his short performance with Irish folk song Spancil Hill, which focuses on the theme of emigration from Ireland to the US.
After his performance, President Biden told Horan that it reminded him of places that he had lived. “It’s amazing what song does, and you do it so well. Come back anytime.”
A St. Patrick’s Day message
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Horan and Biden posted a video of the two of them wishing everyone a happy St. Patrick’s Day.
“I just wanted to wish you all a very happy Saint Patrick’s Day from the White House from me,” said Horan before turning the camera to Biden. “And me too I’m here at the White House,” said the president. “I hang out here once in a while and I’m glad he’s here.”
Horan’s third album The Show comes out June 9, 2023.
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