Local singing sensation Joshua Ledet will perform at the White House Tuesday to help celebrate Memphis soul music, according to the White House Press Office.

“In Performance at the White House” will be streamed live at www.whitehouse.gov/live starting at 5:55 p.m. and will air on PBS at 7 p.m. April 16.

Ledet, a Westlake native, is slated to perform with Justin Timberlake, Cyndi Lauper, Al Green, Alabama Shakes, William Bell, Queen Latifah, Steve Cropper, Ben Harper, Sam Moore, Charlie Musselwhite and Mavis Staples.

Ledet finished third on last season’s “American Idol.” The soulful crooner wowed audiences with renditions of “When a Man Loves a Woman,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” and “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.”

Tuesday’s program will also broadcast at a later date via the American Forces Network to service men and women and civilians at U.S. Department of Defense locations around the world.

Some local residents expressed via Facebook their excitement about Ledet’s latest success.

“This will make his 21st birthday (April 9) pretty memorable. Of course, surely the best is yet to come,” said Keri Breaux Burleigh via Facebook.

“That is amazing! (I am) so proud of that guy,” said Lisa Landry.

Kerry A. Onxley, Ledet’s mentor and former teacher at Westlake High School, said he is “happy” and “proud.”

“Whoop whoop! I love me some Josh!” said Kay Broussard Sonnier.

In addition, First Lady Michelle Obama has invited 120 middle and high school students from all across the country to take part in an interactive student workshop event called “Soulsville, USA: The History of Memphis Soul.” Featured performers, including Ledet, will share their experiences and answer students’ questions.

This workshop will also be streamed live.

Since February 2008, the Obamas have hosted nine other “In Performance at the White House” programs, which honored such legends as Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, Burt Bacharach and Hal David.

American Idol / Fox