Who Will Sing ‘America the Beautiful’ at Super Bowl LX? A Look at the Frontrunners
As Bad Bunny prepares to headline the Super Bowl LXI halftime show in 2026, anticipation builds for the pre-game performances, particularly who will deliver a stirring rendition of “America the Beautiful.” The tradition, a cornerstone of the Super Bowl experience, has seen iconic artists grace the stage, and speculation is rife about who will follow in their footsteps.
The History of ‘America the Beautiful’ at the Super Bowl
“America the Beautiful,” with its poignant lyrics penned by Katharine Lee Bates and set to music by Samuel A. Ward, has become a beloved fixture of the Super Bowl pre-game ceremony. The tradition began in 1972 with Charley Pride, marking a significant moment in the event’s history. Vicki Carr followed in 1977, but it was the 2000s that solidified the song’s place in Super Bowl lore.
In 2001, Ray Charles captivated audiences with his soulful interpretation. The following year, Mary J. Blige, alongside Marc Anthony and the Boston Pops Orchestra, brought a vibrant energy to the performance. Alicia Keys continued the trend in 2005, delivering a powerful and emotive performance.
Since 2009, initiated by Faith Hill, “America the Beautiful” is traditionally performed before “The Star-Spangled Banner,” creating a moving prelude to the national anthem and the kickoff of the game. Over the years, a diverse range of artists, including Queen Latifah, John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Leslie Odom Jr., H.E.R., and Post Malone, have lent their voices to this cherished tradition.
<h2>The 2026 Contenders: Who Could Take the Stage?</h2>
<p>With Super Bowl LX set to take place on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will be chosen to sing “America the Beautiful”? A wealth of talent is in the running, spanning genres and generations.</p>
<p>Rising stars like sombr, Alex Warren, Mariah the Scientist, Addison Rae, Kehlani, Shaboozey, and Teddy Swims are all generating buzz and could bring a fresh perspective to the performance. But will the selection committee opt for established artists with a proven track record?</p>
<p>What qualities do you think are most important for an artist to embody when performing “America the Beautiful”? And how much weight should be given to an artist’s current popularity versus their ability to connect with the song’s emotional core?</p>
<p>The selection process is undoubtedly a challenging one, balancing artistic merit, cultural relevance, and the desire to create a memorable moment for millions of viewers. The chosen artist will not only be representing themselves but also embodying the spirit of a nation.</p>
Frequently Asked Questions About ‘America the Beautiful’ at the Super Bowl
Who first sang “America the Beautiful” at the Super Bowl?
Charley Pride was the first artist to perform “America the Beautiful” at the Super Bowl in 1972.
When did “America the Beautiful” become a regular part of the Super Bowl pre-game show?
While performed sporadically before, “America the Beautiful” became a consistent part of the pre-game show starting in 2009 with Faith Hill’s performance.
What makes “America the Beautiful” a fitting song for the Super Bowl?
The song’s patriotic lyrics and uplifting melody resonate with the spirit of national pride and unity that the Super Bowl embodies.
Are there any specific vocal qualities that make an artist well-suited to sing “America the Beautiful?”
Artists who can convey emotion, power, and reverence through their vocals are typically well-received when performing this song.
Where will Super Bowl LX be held?
Super Bowl LX will be held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8, 2026.
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