U.S. Open Music To Play By: Alicia Keys Scores Theme Song For Grand Slam
Monday, August 19, 2024 at 01:06PM By Barry Janoff
August 19, 2024: There will be plenty of action in-play on the courts and plenty of music in-play in the air during the U.S. Open, which is leaning into chart-topping musicians to help drive the event.
The U.S. Tennis Assn. and U.S. Open exclusive broadcast partner ESPN are joining with Alicia Keys’ Broadway bio-musical Hell’s Kitchen on what they called a “first-of-its-kind U.S. Open theme song,” that will break on Opening Night of the 2024 Grand Slam (Aug. 26-Sept. 8).
“Kaleidoscope,” one of Keys' songs in the 13-time Tony-nominated show (which opened last November in New York’s The Public Theater), will be featured in this year’s U.S. Open Manifesto Video and throughout the event.
The video is narrated by Kecia Lewis, whose performance in Hell’s Kitchen earned her the 2024 Tony Award winner for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
It will premiere Aug. 26, both in Arthur Ashe Stadium and live on ESPN, as well as in broadcasts in more than 200 countries worldwide.
The Opening Night ceremony will also feature a performance by two-time Tony nominee Soshana Bean, Lewis’ co-star in Hell’s Kitchen.
The presentation of the colors will be by members of the New York City Police and Fire Department, a U.S. Open tradition since 2002.
“Creating a breakthrough musical collaboration is a concept that we are incredibly excited to make a reality for the 2024 U.S. Open,” Nicole Kankam, managing director for pro tennis marketing and entertainment for the USTA, the national governing body of tennis and the U.S. Open, via the organization.
“The ability to do so in partnership with ESPN, to truly extend this across broadcast and in-event at the U.S. Open, is an amazing opportunity. To be able to feature the music of Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen, perfectly reflects the New York vibe and feel of our event.”
Country music came to the U.S. Open on Aug. 18 when Dierks Bentley and special guest Chase Rice headlined the Sounds of the Open concert to officially begin U.S. Open Fan Week (Aug. 19-25).
The U.S. Ope
n Block Party Aug. 23 is scheduled to feature a headline performance by DJ D-Nice and an opening set by DJ Millie.
Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day Aug. 23 is scheduled to include performances by pop vocalist Alex Sampson, L-Pop girl group Bella Dose, R&B band WanMor, Wé Ani and MusicClubKids.
This year’s Opening Night commemorates the 30th anniversary of the USTA Foundation, which supports the National Junior Tennis and Learning network, providing tennis and education resources to under-served youth.
The USTA will also partner with Alicia Keys’ Kaleidoscope Dreams Foundation, “whose mission is aligned with that of the USTA Foundation.”
According to the USTA, “Partnering with Hell’s Kitchen falls directly in-line with both the 2024 U.S. Open’s marketing campaign, ‘Spectacular Awaits’ and theme, ‘Celebrating the Power of Tennis.’
“The USTA has made a concerted effort to reach new and different audiences with the goal of growing interest and increasing accessibility to the sport."
“The USTA has made a concerted effort to reach new and different audiences with the goal of growing interest and increasing accessibility to the sport, which provides unparalleled health and wellness benefits.”
In the U.S. Open Manifesto Kaleidoscope video, we see action of players on-court — including defending men’s and women’s singles champions Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff (pictured above in the video) — and shots of New York as Kecia Lewis says, “Where the energy of the city meets the intensity of the court.
“Let’s hear it for the biggest stage of all. Thriving on its electricity, vibrance, humanity. A kaleidoscope of experiences. If you’re looking for that soul, that unbreakable spirit and drive to go the distance, you’ve come to the right place: the U.S. Open.”
“We are thrilled to bring this unique collaboration to life for the 2024 U.S. Open, Rachel Epstein, ESPN vp-marketing, live sports and audience expansion, said via the network.
“Collaborating with the USTA and the Hell’s Kitchen team to integrate ‘Kaleidoscope’ into our marketing efforts and broadcast allows us to elevate and celebrate all that is so powerful about the U.S. Open — the electric tournament experience, the world-class tennis, and the unmatched vibrancy of the U.S. Open’s home, New York City.”
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