Chris Stapleton performed the national anthem at the Super Bowl on Sunday, making him the third country music artist to do so.
Before the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs kicked off Super Bowl LVII, the “Tennessee Whiskey” vocalist sang a strong and respectful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” with only his guitar accompaniment.
Players from both teams were observed crying during Chris Stapleton’s heartfelt, rural performance.
Take a look at the tweet:
.@ChrisStapleton brings the house down with his performance of the National Anthem! #SBLVII pic.twitter.com/iiRzjVcByW
— NFL (@NFL) February 12, 2023
Mickey Guyton had the privilege of singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl the year before, and he did it in an emotional, gospel-influenced performance. Eric Church and R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan collaborated on their adaptation the year early in 2021.
Faith Hill, the Chicks, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan, all of whom are from the country genre, have also played the song at the Super Bowl in the past: in 2000, 2003, and 2017.
Sheryl Lee Ralph, the star of Abbott Elementary, sang “Lift Every Voice,” while Babyface sang “America the Beautiful” before the national anthem.
.@babyface performs America the Beautiful! #SBLVII pic.twitter.com/Cna6OkFPCQ
— NFL (@NFL) February 12, 2023
On a high note, Chris Stapleton entered State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. He sang a fierce duet on “Higher Ground” with Stevie Wonder on Sunday at the 2023 Grammy Awards.
Rihanna is slated to headline the Super Bowl LVII halftime show. Earlier this week, she talked to reporters about the pressures of the high-profile slot. “The setlist was the biggest challenge.
That was the most challenging, most challenging part, deciding how to maximize 13 minutes but also celebrate,” she said. “It’s going to be a celebration of my catalog in the best way we could have put it together.