Watch CBS News

9/11 Ceremony Scraps 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' Song After Christie Remarks

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A last-minute change avoided what could have been an uncomfortable moment in the Sept. 11 museum dedication ceremony: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie followed by "Bridge Over Troubled Water.''

The original program for the ceremony had Christie's remarks followed by Idina Menzel's performance of the song. That sent social media aflutter with speculation that the scheduling was a jab at the governor over accusations that his staff intentionally clogged traffic near the George Washington Bridge to punish a political adversary.

PHOTOS: 9/11 Museum Dedication | Inside National Sept. 11 Memorial Museum

But just before the ceremony, museum spokesman Anthony Guido announced that Menzel, star of the Broadway show "If/Then,'' was sick and would not perform. In her place, another member of the show's cast, LaChanze, herself a 9/11 widow, performed "Amazing Grace.''

Guido said the change had nothing to do with Christie or the song.

A spokesman for "If/Then,'' Tom D'Ambrosio, said Menzel has a cold and had to pull out of Wednesday night's performance at intermission. He said she is scheduled to perform Thursday night.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories:

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.