Ledisi Sings a Powerful Rendition of the Black National Anthem 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' at Super Bowl 2025

Mar. 15, 2025

Artist Ledisi performs “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.Photo:Gregory Shamus/Getty

Gregory Shamus/Getty

Ledisi’s performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” ahead of the2025 Super Bowlmoved audiences near and far.

On Sunday, Feb 9. before the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, the 52-year-old Grammy-winning singer performed the hymn that is often referred to as the Black national anthem.

The New Orleans native known for her R&B and jazz albums, won the 2020 Grammy for best traditional R&B performance for her song “Anything For You.”

Ledisi also has acting credits to boast. She portrayedgospel icon Mahalia Jacksontwice in the 2014 biopicSelmaandRemember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story, a 2022 musical drama.

At the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Press Conference on Thursday, Ledisi said that she is “overwhelmed” and “honored” to perform"Lift Every Voice and Sing."

Ledisi performing at Super Bowl 2025.FOX

FOX

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She also spoke about what is going on in her mind moments before performing.

“I just just keep thinking of this little girl from Holly Grove riding her bike, singing with her family singing, moving to Oakland, then going around the world on bigger stages and then coming back here full circle, back home wanting to show that I am from here too and to be given that moment,” Ledisi said.

Ledisi in 2022.Frazer Harrison/Getty

She added that she’s thinking about, “My grandparents, my family, my cousins, my new family … I think of family and community. And then I’m thinking tell the story.”

Joining Ledisi on the field before kickoffisJon Batisteperforming the national anthem, along withTrombone Shortyand Christian music singerLauren Daiglewith their rendition of “America the Beautiful."

Later,Kendrick LamarandSZAwill take the stage during halftime.

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles will face off in the 2025 Super Bowl, airing on Fox on Sunday, Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. ET.

source: people.com