Charlie Puth brought a stirring and memorable performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” to the stage at Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, setting the emotional tone for the game between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Standing behind his keyboard and backed by a small orchestra and white-clad gospel choir, the 34-year-old singer delivered the national anthem with a blend of control, restraint, and reverence — choosing a soulful approach that resonated with both the live crowd and the millions watching nationwide.
Unlike some past anthem performances that lean toward big vocal theatrics, Puth opted for a more musical and heartfelt interpretation. He accompanied himself on a Rhodes keyboard and focused on clarity, melody, and emotional impact, a choice that paid off as he hit the anthem’s challenging range with precision and feeling.
His performance was widely praised for its musicality and tone, with many viewers calling it one of his strongest vocal displays on a major stage. A joint U.S. Air Force and Navy flyover as he finished added to the moment’s patriotic grandeur.
Before taking the field, Puth had spoken openly about the challenge of singing the national anthem, calling it one of the most musically demanding songs to perform due to its wide vocal range. He told interviewers he wanted to respect the melody and avoid over-singing, emphasizing unity and shared experience in front of a global audience.
In the days leading up to the game, he also acknowledged the legacy of iconic performances like Whitney Houston’s 1991 rendition, saying he hoped to honor that tradition while bringing his own voice to the moment.
Puth’s anthem performance was a highlight of a pregame entertainment lineup that also included:
- Green Day, performing a set of hits in the opening ceremony
- Brandi Carlile, singing “America the Beautiful”
- Coco Jones, offering “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as part of the cultural celebration before kickoff.
Following these pregame performances, Bad Bunny headlined the Super Bowl LX halftime show, continuing a full slate of musical entertainment tied to America’s biggest sporting event.
Social media reactions were broadly positive — fans appreciated Puth’s vocal precision and emotional delivery, with many saying it set a respectful and uplifting tone for the game. Some discussions also touched on performance technique and production choices, reflecting just how much attention anthem performances receive at the Super Bowl.
Whether viewed as a musical moment or a patriotic tribute, Charlie Puth’s performance of the national anthem at Super Bowl LX joined the long tradition of artists taking on one of music’s most challenging and symbolic songs on one of its biggest stages.
