Lilian Garcia outlines the transition from being a ring announcer to singing the US National Anthem

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Lilian Garcia, the former WWE ring announcer recently joined The Chris Van Vliet Show, where she discussed the way she was originally prepared only for being the ring announcer. But, eventually, she started singing the United States National Anthem before the WWE shows.

Lilian Garcia reveals Kevin Dunn was behind the idea

During the interview, Lilian Garcia talked about not having many conversations with WWE Chairman, Vince McMahon in her early days in the company.

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She was mainly used as a ring-announcer until she was heard singing by Kevin Dunn. He was the one who pitched the idea to Vince McMahon about making her sing the National Anthem at WWE events.

Lilian Garcia

She said, “Kevin Dunn was the one that was a real champ of me being there and giving me – a female – an opportunity in that role. There were a lot of people that thought this wasn’t going to work, probably because it’s a male-dominated industry.”

“Kevin Dunn was being that innovative. He saw the future and it was really cool, and I want to say thank you to Kevin Dunn because he changed my life. He was my champion, and he was like, ‘It’s okay, just learn the stuff. Get better’, and I did”, added Garcia.

Lilian Garcia opens up on Vince McMahon

Lilian Garcia recalled that she had joined WWE in August 1999 as the ring announcer but started singing the anthem in February 2000. Interestingly, she also sang it at that year’s WrestleMania.

Lilian Garcia outlines the transition from being a ring announcer to singing the US National Anthem - THE SPORTS ROOM

Garcia recalled Vince McMahon foreseeing her success and the impact that she had made on the fans with her singing quality. She acknowledged his boss as a “genius” because he always works the things out that he plans to do.

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She said, “He has a pulse on everything. That man is a genius – he just knows how to make superstars if you listen. You have to really listen to his advice, and he’s also a genius in the fact that every single thing that he thinks of will work.”

Lilian Garcia made her one-night return to WWE in 2016 at Tribute to the Troops to sing the National Anthem.

She has made some special appearances as well, as ring announcer at Mae Young Classic finals, first-ever WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal and first-ever Women’s pay-per-view, Evolution.

Lilian Garcia outlines the transition from being a ring announcer to singing the US National Anthem - THE SPORTS ROOM

She was also honoured at Raw 25 Years special edition as the legend along with other women legends for their contribution to the success of WWE.

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