Although the two teams to compete in Super Bowl LVII have not been decided, we can celebrate Chris Stapleton singing the national anthem. Using its Instagram account, the NFL announced that Stapleton will sing the national anthem. Acclaimed R&B singer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds will deliver “America the Beautiful,” and Abbott Elementary star Sheryl Lee Ralph will render “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Therefore, NFL fans have three musical treats awaiting them before the game.
Chris Stapleton singing the national anthem brings joy
Chris Stapleton looks forward to honoring America by singing the national anthem, as evidenced by his posting of the NFL’s announcement on Twitter and Instagram.
Watch Chris Stapleton perform the National Anthem at Super Bowl LVII on FOX.
2.12.23 • #SBLVII @NFL @NFLonFOX @RocNation pic.twitter.com/BNuZzBIwR9
— Chris Stapleton (@ChrisStapleton) January 24, 2023
Stapleton, an accomplished country music singer, winner of eight Grammy Awards, ten Academy of Country Music Awards, fourteen Country Music Association Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, and many others, is more than capable of giving a memorable performance. Therefore, while NFL fans are reacting to Joe Burrow’s comments after advancing to the AFC Championship game and the San Francisco 49ers preparing for a monster battle against the Philadelphia Eagles, scheduled Super Bowl LVII pregame performances are garnering passionate reactions.
Fans React to Country Star at Super Bowl LVII
NFL fans, including those who are fans of Stapleton, are already excited about his performance at Super Bowl LVII. Rod Walker, a sports columnist for The Times-Picayune, tweeted a reply to Stapleton’s announcement: “I’m not trying to tell you what to do, but feel free to do an entire concert instead of just one song. Putting in a request for ‘Cold.’”
I’m not trying to tell you what to do, but feel free to do an entire concert instead of just one song. Putting in my request for “Cold.”
— Rod Walker (@RodWalkerNola) January 24, 2023
Also, Gary Baker, a Chris Stapleton fan, responded, “Should’ve been the halftime show tbh.”
Should’ve been the halftime show tbh
— Gary Baker (@g_baker138911) January 24, 2023
Many of Stapleton’s other fans have expressed their eagerness to hear him perform.
The Significance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at Super Bowl LVII
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” is a powerful and historic song with profound significance for Blacks. Written in 1900 by James Weldon Johnson and his brother John Rosamond Johnson, the song was originally penned as a poem to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. It quickly became known as the “Negro National Anthem” and was widely performed in schools and public events nationwide.
The song underscores the experiences and struggles of Blacks throughout history. The lyrics express a longing for freedom and equality and a determination to overcome obstacles to these aspirations. The line “Lift every voice and sing, till earth and heaven ring” is compelling, as it calls on all people to raise their voices in song and solidarity.
In recent years, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” has taken on new significance as a symbol of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality. It is embraced by social and racial justice activists and leaders as a potent symbol of hope and resistance. Singing it at Super Bowl LVII is a vital way to acknowledge the contributions of Blacks to America, and it sends robust messages of unity and inclusion to a global audience. It is a reminder that, despite our challenges, we can unite to lift our voices in song and work towards a more just and equitable world.
Conclusion
While Chris Stapleton singing the national anthem will not be the primary reason why most NFL fans will watch Super Bowl LVII, I think we can agree it is an added bonus.