Reigning Bermuda Idol champion Larrita Adderley will sing the US national anthem live in front of tens of thousands of baseball fans later this year.

The 26-year-old St. David's songstress — who won Bermuda Idol last November — has been enlisted by the Department of Tourism to perform at Shea Stadium when the New York Mets play the Chicago Cubs on September 22.

The evening has been dubbed the second Bermuda Night of the year by tourism bosses, who have signed up to a marketing deal with the Mets aimed at encouraging more New Yorkers to visit the Island.

The first Bermuda Night will take place on May 12 — the date on which Ms Adderley was originally scheduled to sing. Her performance was moved to September because the stadium had double booked her on the same night as a cast member from the musical Hairspray.

Last season the New York Mets averaged 47,579 fans for home games at Shea Stadium, according to the Baseball Almanac.

Ms Adderley, who works at ER Aubrey, said she was looking forward to performing the 'Star Spangled Banner' in front of a big crowd.

"This helps me pursue my dream," she said. "My dream is to be a recording artist and make it to the Grammy Awards. This opportunity puts me a step closer. I feel like every step I'm taking right now is getting me closer and closer."

On the first Bermuda Night, the Mets will play the Washington Nationals. Local reggae star Collie Buddz has accepted an invitation to be a guest in the "Feel the Love" luxury suite at the stadium, along with the winners of a Department of Tourism photography contest and their guests.

And Premier and Tourism Minister Ewart Brown will throw out the ceremonial first pitch and give an in-game interview on SportsNet New York. There will also be Feel the Love branded giveaways for Mets fans.

The winners of the tourism photography competition — which called on Islanders to send in pictures proving their team spirit for the Mets — were announced this week.

They are: Simone Barton, Kevin Bean, Allison Cooper, Roger Fox, Lisa Whitehead and the aptly named Shea Pitcher. Visit www.gov.bm to see their pictures.

To take advantage of a five percent discount for anyone flying to New York for the game between May 9 and 16 visit the Hamilton American Airlines office and mention the Bermuda Tourism/New York Mets Promotion.

There is also a 35 percent discount on standard rooms at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in East Elmhurst, New York, between May 11 and 13. Travellers must make reservations before the end of today (April 28).