WASHINGTON – Jackie Evancho’s operatic style voice touched Americans witnessed in person and on television her rendition of the national anthem at the conclusion of President Donald Trump’s inaugural speech.

Still, the question lingered afterwards who is she? And how was she selected for the honor?

Classical and pop music fans are familiar with 16-year-old Evancho as the little girl with a big voice who finished second in 210 on the America’s Got Talent reality show that features singers, dancers, comedians and other performers.

She was only 10 then, but since has recorded several albums, five of which have climbed to No. 1 on Billboard Magazine’s classical music chart. Her album featuring “O Holy Night” sold more than one million copies after her appearance on national television. She was the youngest singer to reach the platinum sales level.

A native of Pittsburgh, Evancho was invited by Trump’s inauguration team to sing the national anthem after several other artists turned down the offer. She said in an interview afterward she “felt really honored to get a chance to perform for the president again. I just kind of thought this is for my country. So if people are going to hate on me it’s for the wrong reason.”

Her mention of singing for the president again referred to her performance at the White House six years ago during the lighting of the national Christmas tree. She was invited to sing by President Obama. She also sang for Pope Francis during his visit to the United States in September of 2015.

Evancho was the only soloist who performed at Trump’s inauguration. She first met Trump in 2010 at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida after her successful run on America’s Got Talent.

Boris Epshteyn, director of communications for Trump’s inauguration team, said she was invited to sing the national anthem because “she is a true role model and inspiration for people young and old in our country and around the globe.”

Evancho is one of three siblings, the eldest (18 years old) of which has announced publicly that she is transitioning from a male to a female. Evancho said at the time that when her sister told her she was transgender, “I was actually very happy for her because she finally found herself, and she can be who she wants to be.”