The pregame festivities for the Super Bowl will resonate with a distinct Louisiana vibe, as the versatile artist Jon Batiste takes the stage to deliver a soulful rendition of the national anthem. Meanwhile, Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle, scheduled to perform the timeless classic "America the Beautiful," promise to add a dynamic twist to the pre-game celebrations. These performances are set to take place on February 9th at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, preceding the highly anticipated NFL championship game and the electrifying halftime show featuring rap superstar Kendrick Lamar, as announced by the league on Thursday.
"We are thrilled to collaborate with this year's pregame talent line-up, celebrating the vibrant musical heritage of New Orleans and Louisiana at its fullest," expressed Seth Dudowsky, the NFL's head of music.
Adding to the pregame musical tapestry, Ledisi will serenade the audience with "Lift Every Voice and Sing," broadcast live on Fox. Notably, all pregame performers hail from the storied state of Louisiana.
Actor Stephanie Nogueras will interpret both the national anthem and "America the Beautiful" in American Sign Language, ensuring inclusivity for all viewers. Otis Jones IV will similarly sign "Lift Every Voice and Sing," while Matt Maxey will provide sign language interpretation for the halftime show.
Jay-Z's Roc Nation, in tandem with Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins, will serve as co-executive producers for the halftime spectacle.
Batiste, a Grammy and Oscar winner, previously led the band for "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." His documentary, "American Symphony," is a Grammy nominee for Best Music Film, and his song "It Never Went Away" from the documentary is up for Best Song Written for Visual Media at the forthcoming Grammy Awards. He also composed the score for Jason Reitman's film "Saturday Night" and recently released "Beethoven Blues (Batiste Piano Series, Vol. 1)," a reimagining of the legendary German pianist's work.
Grammy-winning Trombone Shorty, renowned for his fusion of funk, soul, R&B, and rock, has shared the stage with legends like Lenny Kravitz, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Foo Fighters. Daigle, a contemporary Christian singer, garnered two Grammys for her 2018 hit "You Say" from her third studio album, "Look Up Child."
Ledisi, who won a Grammy for her 2020 single "Anything for You," has also made memorable appearances in films such as "Leatherheads," "Spinning Gold," and the Oscar-nominated "Selma."
Together, these talented Louisiana natives promise to elevate the pregame atmosphere, infusing it with a rich blend of musical prowess and heartfelt performances.
