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National Anthem, 'America The Beautiful' Singers Announced For Super Bowl 2025
Rob Carr/Getty Images

For many Americans, the pageantry of the Super Bowl is almost as important as the ensuing football game itself. With a slew of celebrities and even the President of the United States in attendance tomorrow, the league has pulled out all the stops to make the pregame ceremonies memorable.

We already know that Kendrick Lamar will be the halftime show performer in Super Bowl 59, returning to the big stage he occupied just three years ago. Joining him on the stage will be Grammy-winning singer SZA. 

But before the game even starts, the NFL will be treating us to renditions of the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," a performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and a rendition of "America The Beautiful."

According to NPR, beginning the ceremonies will be R&B artist Ledisi, a New Orleans native, to perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Ledisi has over 30 years of singing experience and won a Grammy in 2021 for her song "Anything for You."

As for "The Star-Spangled Banner," that will be performed by five-time Grammy-winner and Louisiana son Jon Batiste. He will be accompanied by actress Stephanie Nogueras, who will be doing the song in sign language.

America The Beautiful will be performed by Troy Andrews, better known for his stage name Trombone Shorty, along with Lauren Daigle. Both hail from Louisiana and have won a combined three Grammys.

There will also be a performance by the Human Jukebox Marching Band of Louisiana's Southern University.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 06: (L-R) Ledisi, Trombone Shorty, Lauren Daigle and Jon Batiste react onstage at the Super Bowl LVIX Pregame & Apple Music Super Bowl LVIX Halftime Show Press Conference at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on February 06, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)Michael Owens/Getty Images

There is, always, some grumbling over the decision to have "Lift Every Voice And Sing" also known as the "Black National Anthem" played before the Super Bowl. Many users on social media assert that the use of that song is intended to divide Americans along racial lines. Some have even announced that they will boycott the entire Super Bowl in protest of the use of the song.

But the NFL has been playing the song before the Super Bowl a number of times through the years and the ratings - let alone the game - have not been adversely affected in any noticeable way.

Super Bowl 59 will air live on Fox along with streaming services including NFL+, Fubo, Tubi, Sling and Hulu + Live TV. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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