Often referred to as the Black national anthem, a pregame performance of the hymn “Lift Every Voice and Sing” has become a tradition at the Super Bowl.
A pre-recorded video of Alicia Keys’ rendition of the song played before the 2021 game, and in the past three years it has been performed live before kickoff by the likes of Mary Mary, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and most recently Andra Day in 2024.
Before Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans on Sunday, the Grammy-award winning artist Ledisi performed the song written by James Weldon Johnson in 1900.
Ledisi, 52, won a Grammy in 2021 for Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Anything For You.” She’s also a New Orleans native.
Here’s her performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
@ledisi performs “Lift Every Voice And Sing” prior to Super Bowl LIX pic.twitter.com/LapZMgywZQ
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 9, 2025
This star-studded Super Bowl will feature a halftime performance from Kendrick Lamar, who recently took home his own collection of Grammys.
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