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Marlana VanHoose, singer who is blind, wows RNC with powerful performance of national anthem

Marlana VanHoose took the stage and stole the spotlight at the Republican National Convention Monday night.
/ Source: TODAY

Political statements and controversy over one speech may be dominating conversation after the opening evening of the Republican National Convention, but there was another moment from Monday night's big event that deserves attention, too — the moment singer Marlana VanHoose took the stage and stole the spotlight.

VanHoose, a 20-year-old who was born blind due to cytomegalovirus — a disease that can prevent the development of the optic nerve — and diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 2, delivered a powerful, pitch-perfect performance of the national anthem without any musical accompaniment.

Read more of TODAY's coverage of the GOP Convention

The crowd rose to their feet in honor of the "Star-Spangled Banner" and stayed up to cheer VanHoose with a standing ovation.

Marlana VanHoose RNC National Anthem
Marlana VanHoose performs the US National Anthem during the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The Republican Party opened its national convention, kicking off a four-day political jamboree that will anoint billionaire Donald Trump as its presidential nominee. / AFP PHOTO / Robyn BECKROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty ImagesRobyn Beck / AFP - Getty Images

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This isn't the first time the Kentucky native has stirred a crowd with a patriotic performance.

A big sports fan, she's performed the national anthem at a number of games. VanHoose even made an appearance on Monday Night Football last November ahead of a Cleveland Browns home game.

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Shortly after that big game, VanHoose told TODAY, "I just want people to never give up on their dreams, focus on Jesus and be inspired."