By Juan Soto
Lights, camera, action!
Kids at St. Mary’s Hospital in Bayside got some special visitors last week when Nick Cannon, from “America’s Got Talent,” hosted a celebration at the pediatric facility.
The multi-talented entertainer’s show was part of his efforts to raise funds for the oldest children’s hospital in New York City.
“I want to dance,” said one the of kids when the music began.
The Oct. 23 morning concert featured songs by 4 Count, The Alternate Routes and 12-year-old Quintavious Johnson, “America’s Got Talent” finalist.
The live performance at the hospital was a prelude to “A Tribute to Nick Cannon” to benefit St. Mary’s kids, held at Times Square, later that day. The Hard Rock Café concert also included performers Kreesha, Kehlani and Sons of Serendip.
Some of the kids at St. Mary’s got to go to the Manhattan concert.
Other special guests during the early celebration were Nia Sánchez, Miss USA 2014, and four-time NFL Superbowl champion Lynn Swann.
Quintavious Johnson seized the moment and took a selfie with Miss USA.
“This is truly inspiring,” said Cannon, who is the newest member of the board of directors of the 97-bed hospital.
St. Mary’s, the only pediatric post-acute care hospital for children with special needs and medically complex conditions in the city, serves more than 2,000 kids throughout the five boroughs, Westchester and Long island.
“This hospital is my passion,” Cannon said. “It means the world to me.”
The comedian and philanthropist, who introduced the musicians and joked around with the children, said, “some of these kids keep smiling but they have to overcome so many obstacles. It makes everything in my life so small.”
Cannon became involved with the Bayside hospital a few years ago, when he visited the facility and was touched by the kids there.
The kids in the packed hospital lobby were enjoying the live music.
“Are you guys ready for some singing?” asked Cannon as he introduced Quintavious Johnson, a young singer.
“I got talent,” said another girl.
4 Count, which appeared on “America’s Got Talent,” initiated the session with two songs. Kids quickly got up and dance with the four-men-band that just published their first album.
“We loved being here,” one of the vocalists said.
Then Johnson, who started to sing at a church in Tennessee at age 3, amazed the audience with his voice. He performed two songs before The Alternate Routes went up on stage.
The guitarists-duo debuted in 2005 with “Good and Reckless and True,” an album that led them to a recording deal with Vanguard Records.
The event was dedicated to the kids and to the staff at the hospital.
“They are so amazing,” said Miss USA, who signed autographs and posed with some of the kids after the show.
Reach reporter Juan Soto by e-mail at jsoto@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4564.
