PINEHURST –– There really isn’t anything quite like a live rendition of the Star Spangled Banner – it’s even more memorable when it’s performed by a six-year-old.

But that’s exactly how Christopher Sverdsten became an almost overnight sensation and will be representing the Silver Valley at the upcoming National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. 

Sverdsten is a student at Pinehurst Elementary School who simply loves to sing. His dad, Chris, is a singer in the popular local band, Sverwood, and it appears that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. 

Sverdsten recently won a voter-based competition and will open the sixth day of competition at the rodeo with his version of the National Anthem – he is one of 10 people who were chosen to perform the song at the event. 

It was almost a year ago that Christopher got in front of hundreds of people at Kellogg High School and belted the Anthem out to open up the George Wild Wrestling Tournament, since that first performance he’s sung at the Idaho State Wrestling Tournament, the Kellogg All Class Reunion, the grand opening of Tractor Supply Co. in Kellogg, the Pinehurst Days Burnouts, the ArenaCross races at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, Stateline Speedway, and just about every Sverwood gig he’s allowed to be a part of, age permitting of course.

With a musically inclined father and a very supportive mom, it’s no surprise that young Christopher has a passion for performing. 

“It just amazes us how confident he is in the spotlight,” Chris said. “No hesitation, minimal nerves, and just so genuinely happy to get to do what he is doing. He loves to perform, and we’re all lucky enough to be a part of it.”

Christopher doesn’t just sing the Anthem either – he and his dad sing quite a few songs together.

He’s not limited to just the patriotic tunes, he likes to dabble in some classic rock as well. 

“I like to sing Simple Man with my dad,” Christopher said. “Singing makes me happy. It’s a lot of fun.” 

Christopher’s mom Kristina, has been amazed by the outpouring of support that her family has received from her Silver Valley neighbors. Some going as far as hosting fundraisers for Christopher so that his trip comes with as little cost to him and and his family as possible. 

“The support we have been given already has been absolutely amazing,” Kristina said. 

Christopher will sing the National Anthem at the National Finals Rodeo on December 12.

The Hilltop restaurant, 41845 Silver Valley Road, Kingston, will be hosting a fundraiser dinner for Christopher from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 15. Dinner is $20.