Super Bowl LIX will kick off in New Orleans in just a few hours. Tonight, viewers will watch the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs battle it out to become the Vince Lombardi Trophy winner.
The night will also have star-studded performances, including Super Bowl halftime show headliner, Pulitzer Prize winner, and 22-time Grammy-winning artist Kendrick Lamar.
But who is singing the National Anthem this year?
New Orleans-born and Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Jon Batiste will be performing it. The NFL announced in November that the seven-time Grammy-winning artist would perform to help the League’s effort to acknowledge the “legendary music scene of New Orleans and feature artists who call Louisiana home.”
The NFL’s head of music, Seth Dudowsky, announced that the league is “honored” to have so many Louisiana-born artists in the pregame lineup.
“We’re honored to work with this year’s pregame lineup to celebrate the rich musical legacy of New Orleans and the entire state,” Dudowsky said. “The Super Bowl is a rare moment to unite fans around the world, and this year’s performers will bring the energy, soul, and vibrant sounds of the region to a global stage as we kick off Super Bowl LIX with a celebration to remember.”
Batiste, 38, was the bandleader and musical director of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” from 2015 to 2022. He is also known for songs such as “Freedom” and “We Are.”
His most recent album, “The New Orleans Collection,” honors the sounds of his hometown. It features influential Louisiana artists like PJ Morton and Big Freedia.
Batiste will follow in the footsteps of Reba McEntire, the legendary country artist who sang the national anthem at the 2024 Super Bowl.
In addition to Batiste’s performance, three other artists are set to perform during the pregame show.
Pregame Performances
“Lift Every Voice and Sing”: Ledisi
New Orleans native Ledisi will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which is often referred to as the Black National Anthem. She has released several albums, the most recent being “Good Life” in 2024. She is most known for songs like “I Blame You” and “Anything For You”.
“America the Beautiful”: Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle
Trombone Shorty and Christian artist Lauren Daigle will perform “America the Beautiful.” Trombone Shorty, whose real name is Troy Andrews, is another Grammy-winning New Orleans native who has toured alongside the likes of Lenny Kravitz and The Foo Fighters.
Daigle, also hailing Louisiana, has won two Grammys after getting her start on “American Idol” back in 2010 and 2012. She is most known for songs such as “Thank God I Do” and “Rescue.”