The state dinner was held in honor of the visiting South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol.
Last Wednesday, Lea Salonga joined singer-actors Jessica Vosk and Norm Lewis to serenade world leaders at The White House in Washington, D.C.
The performers sang showtunes from West Side Story, Les Miserables, and Funny Girl as well as “American Pie.” The Don McLean classic is one of President Yoon’s favorites.
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One of the viral moments from the evening saw President Joe Biden asking the South Korean leader to sing the song himself, which he did much to the enjoyment of the guests. Biden also gifted Yoon a guitar signed by McLean himself.
During the event, Salonga wore a long-sleeved, off-shoulder ball gown designed by Rajo Laurel. The designer then posted photos of the Miss Saigon star on Instagram.
“My dear friend @msleasalonga making every Filipino proud as she performs for President Biden at the @whitehouse wearing @houseoflaurel #couture. Thank you dear friend for constantly being an inspiration to us all,” he wrote in the caption.
“I’m beyond honored to have been invited by President and Doctor Biden to perform at the White House,” Salonga told NBC News.
“As we head into AAPI Heritage month, Asian Americans continuing to be represented on a global scale is so important and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help in that representation at such an important event.”
Other celebrities in attendance include Angelina Jolie with her son Maddox Jolie-Pitt and Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim.
“To our partnership, to our people, to possibilities the Republic of Korea and the United States will create together. May we do it together for another 170 years,” said Biden in his remarks at the beginning of the dinner.
Banner image via Instagram @msleasalonga.
