Good NewsCountry star Darius Rucker surprises teen with Down syndrome at school talent show
Last Wednesday night, Frankie Antonelli, who has Down syndrome, took to the stage at Wando High School in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., to perform Darius Rucker's While I Still Got the Time at the annual talent show.
The 16-year-old student got the surprise of his life when, halfway through the song, Rucker joined him on stage.
The country-music star put his arm around Frankie and helped the shocked teen finish the song.
Frankie has been singing Rucker's songs at school talent shows since Grade 5.
Watch the sweet tearjerker of a surprise below.
Frankie's mother, Debbie Antonelli, told the Post and Courier that her family has gotten to know Rucker through her husband's work and that Rucker once promised Frankie to sing with him.
"He kept his promise," Debbie said, adding that Frankie is "uninhibited and he loves to perform" and doesn't let Down syndrome define who he is.
After Wednesday night's performance, Debbie posted a photo of the duet partners on Twitter.
Frankie and @dariusrucker ...like long time singin partners! Thx Darius! No one will ever kno how much u do for kids! pic.twitter.com/obLDHKjbpE
— Debbie Antonelli (@debbieantonelli) November 21, 2013
Can't count how many people told us Frankie can't/won't because he has Down Syndome. WRONG! He can and will. Thanks @dariusrucker — Debbie Antonelli (@debbieantonelli) November 21, 2013
"Awesome time with my bud Frankie at last night's Wando High School talent show. Thanks for letting me sing with you," Rucker wrote on Twitter, sharing the now-viral video of the duet with his followers.
