The pregame spectacle for Super Bowl LX is positioning itself as more than just another sporting event opener—it’s emerging as a cultural watershed moment that bridges mainstream entertainment with meaningful representation. Set for February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the event assembles an eclectic roster of performers while breaking new ground in accessibility and inclusion.
A Star-Studded Vocal Lineup
Three distinctive voices will open Super Bowl LX, each bringing their unique artistry to songs steeped in American tradition. Charlie Puth will deliver the national anthem with his signature vocal precision, while Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile performs “America the Beautiful.” The spotlight moment belongs to Coco Jones, who will sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a selection that carries profound historical weight within African American communities.
Jones arrives at this moment riding a wave of critical acclaim. The R&B sensation recently claimed a Grammy for Best R&B Performance with her track “ICU,” while her debut album, Why Not More?, contends for Best R&B Album at the upcoming ceremony. Beyond music, Jones has captivated television audiences portraying Hilary Banks in Peacock’s Bel-Air, which enters its final season this year. Her presence on the Super Bowl stage represents a new generation of artists commanding major cultural platforms.
Coco Jones and Cultural Significance
The choice to feature Jones performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” reflects the NFL’s evolving understanding of representation. This anthem, deeply rooted in African American history and resilience, has gained prominence at major sporting events in recent years. Jones brings both vocal talent and cultural authenticity to the performance, connecting the song’s historical significance with contemporary R&B sensibilities.
Her rapid ascent in the music industry—from emerging artist to Grammy winner in a remarkably short span—demonstrates the kind of generational talent that defines pivotal cultural moments. This Super Bowl performance positions Jones alongside established stars while affirming her status as one of R&B’s most compelling new voices.
Breaking Barriers Through Sign Language
The NFL’s commitment to accessibility reaches unprecedented levels this year. Fred Beam, a deaf artist, will sign both the national anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” in American Sign Language, while Julian Ortiz handles “America the Beautiful.” These aren’t token gestures—they represent genuine efforts to make America’s biggest sporting event truly universal.
The halftime show introduces another historic first: a multilingual signing program featuring Puerto Rican Sign Language. Interpreter Celimar Rivera Cosme leads this initiative, working alongside Alexis Kashar of LOVE SIGN and Howard Rosenblum of Deaf Equality. This collaboration ensures that deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences from diverse linguistic backgrounds can fully experience the performances.
Established Stars Round Out the Roster
Brandi Carlile brings 11 Grammy Awards and decades of experience to her performance of “America the Beautiful.” The singer-songwriter recently released Returning to Myself in October, an album that critics have praised for its raw emotional power. Her collaborative work with Elton John on Who Believes in Angels? has earned two Grammy nominations, demonstrating her ability to connect across generational divides.
Charlie Puth, a four-time Grammy nominee whose hits like “Attention” and “See You Again” have dominated charts globally, handles the national anthem. The latter track, featured in Furious 7, became a cultural phenomenon that transcended typical soundtrack success. With his fourth studio album, Whatever’s Clever!, arriving March 6, his Super Bowl appearance serves as a strategic platform just weeks before his new release.
Strategic Production Excellence
Jon Barker, the NFL‘s senior vice president of global event production, emphasized the intentionality behind the artist selections. The performers weren’t chosen merely for name recognition—each brings distinct artistic voices that complement the event’s broader cultural ambitions. NBC, Telemundo, and Peacock will broadcast the performances live, extending the event’s reach across linguistic and geographic boundaries.
Roc Nation, the production company behind the show, approaches this responsibility with appropriate gravitas. CEO Desiree Perez highlighted the generational talent assembled for the occasion, noting that the lineup—including the deaf performers—represents the diverse fabric of American society.
Culture Meets Competition
Super Bowl pregame shows have evolved from perfunctory patriotic rituals into carefully curated cultural statements. This year’s event doesn’t simply precede a football game—it positions itself as a reflection of contemporary American values around representation, accessibility, and artistic excellence.
The combination of established stars like Carlile and Puth with rising talent like Jones creates intergenerational appeal. Meanwhile, the unprecedented accessibility measures signal that major sporting events can prioritize inclusion without sacrificing entertainment value.
As February 8 approaches, anticipation builds not just for the game itself but for these opening moments that promise to resonate far beyond the stadium. This pregame show demonstrates that sports and culture need not exist in separate spheres—when executed thoughtfully, they can amplify each other’s impact while reaching audiences that traditional approaches might overlook.