MANILA — Charice Pempengco of the U.S. television show "Glee" says she has been chosen to sing the Philippine national anthem ahead of Manny Pacquiao's fight against Shane Mosley in Las Vegas next month.
The Philippine-born singer, who is known best by the single name, Charice, says she's thrilled that Pacquiao chose her to sing at the opening ceremony for the May 7 bout at the MGM Grand Garden.
The teenager tweeted Tuesday that she feels "really blessed" for the opportunity.
Pacquiao traditionally hand-picks the singer of the national anthem at his bouts.
A minor scandal erupted in 2009 when Filipino singer Martin Nievera was criticized for altering the 1898 revolutionary anthem, which by law must be played at a marching tempo. (AP)