Watch Niall Horan perform for Joe Biden at The White House

Culture
20 Mar 23

"Come back anytime," President Joe Biden said to the Irish singer following his set.

On St. Patrick's Day, Mullingar born Niall Horan performed an intimate concert at the White House as part of the annual celebration between the Ireland and the US.

A myriad of American and Irish political heavyweights attended of the show, including President Biden, Vice President Harris, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald and former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, along with the leaders of all five political parties of Northern Ireland.

"I'm not nervous, you are," Horan joked to the laughing dignitaries. "I don't think I've ever been so scared in my whole life."

The award winning musician also noted his pride in being at the event, stating "to get chosen to represent my country on the grandest of stages is really an honour."

Niall Horan stopped by the White House for St. Patrick’s Day this year. pic.twitter.com/Cao6UA5CV3

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 19, 2023

The Irishman opened with his new single 'Heaven,' before playing 'This Town,' a tribute to his hometown of Mullingar in Co. Westmeath.

"When I sat down to write my first album, the first thing that came to my mind was my hometown of Mullingar," said Horan, becoming emotional.

"It's a song about emigration, about traveling the world and knowing that I'll always have Mullingar to go back to. The chorus basically says it, if the whole world was watching, I'd still dance with you, and it's about my hometown."

"If the whole world was watching I'd still dance with you/ Drive highways and byways to be there with you/ Over and over the only truth/ Everything comes back to you," Horan croons in the chorus.

Horan concluded his set with a cover of traditional Irish folk ballad 'Spancil Hill,' a wistful tune from Michael Considine, detailing the plight of Irish immigrants yearning for home.

Biden then joined Horan on stage for an embrace, joking "well you sure as hell didn't seem nervous to me." He then added:

"I couldn't carry a tune in a wheelbarrow, but I know one thing... It's amazing what song does, and you do it so well. You make us feel, and that's a good thing. Thank you."

Horan later shared a Reel to his Instagram account, featuring the president. In the video, Horan wishes his following "a very happy St. Patrick's Day" before panning over to Biden who wishes the same.

"I'm glad he's here," said the leader, patting Horan on the shoulder.