July 16, 2008 > Rising Stars Rising Stars Local singer to perform Star-Spangled Banner at 49ers game By Aditya Anand As a distinctively American sport, football is not just a game but a tradition. Part of this tradition is the nation's anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, sung to begin the contest. Since the anthem is considered a difficult song to perform because of its one and a half octave range and varying interpretations, singers are carefully selected. This year, adding a twist to the selection process, the San Francisco 49ers have decided to choose singers for home games through a regional contest. The competition, which featured American Idol judges Gina Gluckson and Anwar Robinson, involved a series of auditions. Out of the 300 artists and groups that auditioned, only 30 were selected for the final audition. Of these, three finalists - Claudine Dentoni, Cliff McCormick, and Monique LeCompte - hailed from Fremont. Monique LeCompte, who performed as a solo artist for judges, was one of eight winners who emerged from the final round of competition. She will be given the opportunity to sing at a 49ers home game this season. Congratulations Monique!