Ledisi, a Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter, performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing” during the pregame festivities of Super Bowl LIX. The New Orleans native delivered the song, often referred to as the Black national anthem, at the Caesars Superdome as fans eagerly awaited the kickoff of the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Ledisi is recognized for her Grammy win for Best Traditional R&B Performance for her song “Anything for You.” In addition to her performance, Jon Batiste sang the national anthem, while Lauren Daigle performed “America the Beautiful.”
The inclusion of the Black national anthem has sparked mixed reactions from fans since the NFL introduced it before the Super Bowl at the conclusion of the 2020 season. Social media has seen a resurgence of discontent regarding this decision.
Andra Day previously performed the song at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. The NFL began featuring “Lift Every Voice and Sing” in the 2020 season following the tragic death of George Floyd, which ignited widespread protests against racial injustice across the United States.
The NAACP has promoted “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as the Black national anthem since 1917.
