(AllHipHop News) Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins’ daughter Heavenly Joy opened proceedings with a song at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio on Thursday night (July 21).
The six-year-old, who was a contestant on Season 10 of “America’s Got Talent,” performed stunning renditions of “Let There Be Peace on Earth” and “America the Beautiful.”
Heavenly Joy’s father is best known as the super producer behind hits like Destiny’s Child’s “Say My Name,” Michael Jackson’s “You Rock My World,” and hits for Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Beyonce among others.
The little girl drew praise for her performance, however some accused the Republican party of pandering to the African-American community, to counter accusations of racism that have dogged presidential candidate Donald Trump’s campaign.
Twitter user ?@quantumanimist commented: “Wow! #RNCinCLE Saved their best pandering for the big night!
Now, get that little princess #HeavenlyJoy outta there”.
When she was on “America’s Got Talent,” host Howard Stern commented that she would make a “terrific Spice Girl” like fellow judge Mel B.
Heavenly replied “I don’t know what that is … I wasn’t born yet.”
Her mother, Joy Enriquez, a former contestant and winner on “Star Search” and backup singer for Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey tweeted her pride after her daughter’s performance: “Proud Mother! I love my daughter’s heart – it is so pure! #RNCinCLE #HeavenlyJoy”.
Rodney and Joy married in 2004, they have four children together.
Rodney has not commented on Heavenly’s performance.
Please pray for me tonight as I perform at the #RNC ! ❤️💙🙏🏽#PrayforOurNation #GoWhereGodCalls #GodBlessAmerica 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ImUsSoEtTl
— Heavenly Joy (@heavenlyjoysing) July 21, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tzBknafqHo