The NFL has officially announced that Charlie Puth, Brandi Carlile, and Coco Jones will perform the pre-game patriotic anthems at Super Bowl LX, setting the stage for halftime headliner Bad Bunny. This isn’t just a star-studded lineup; it’s a calculated and powerful move by the league to cement its commitment to a younger, diverse, and global audience, signaling a definitive shift in the cultural identity of its biggest event.
The stage for Super Bowl LX is officially set, and the message from the NFL is clearer than ever. The league has announced a slate of powerhouse performers for the pre-game show at Levi’s Stadium, a move confirmed by People. Pop superstar Charlie Puth will deliver the National Anthem, 11-time Grammy winner Brandi Carlile will perform “America the Beautiful,” and rising R&B sensation Coco Jones will sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
While any one of these artists would be a significant booking, their collective presence alongside halftime performer Bad Bunny transforms the entire event from a football game with entertainment into a deliberate cultural statement. The NFL, in partnership with Roc Nation, is strategically curating an experience designed to resonate far beyond its traditional fanbase, embracing a modern, multi-genre, and global vision for its flagship event on February 8, 2026.
A Trifecta of Talent: Unpacking the Performers
The selection of Puth, Carlile, and Jones is a masterclass in appealing to multiple demographics simultaneously. Each artist brings a unique and powerful presence to the pre-game festivities.
- Charlie Puth (The National Anthem): At 33, Puth is a streaming giant with over 35 billion career streams. Known for hits like “Attention” and “See You Again,” he represents the pinnacle of modern pop craftsmanship. His performance will come just ahead of his fourth studio album release, ensuring maximum visibility.
- Brandi Carlile (“America the Beautiful”): Carlile, 44, is one of the most critically acclaimed voices in music today. An Oscar nominee, Emmy winner, and activist, her selection brings a level of prestige and artistry that speaks to a mature, discerning audience.
- Coco Jones (“Lift Every Voice and Sing”): The 27-year-old is a star on the rise. Her 2024 Grammy win for “ICU” and her role as Hilary Banks on Peacock’s Bel-Air have cemented her as a defining voice for a new generation of R&B fans. Her inclusion is a nod to both musical excellence and contemporary culture.
The Bigger Picture: A Unified Entertainment Vision
This pre-game lineup cannot be viewed in isolation. It serves as the opening act for what is arguably the most culturally significant halftime booking in years: global icon Bad Bunny. The decision to feature the Puerto Rican superstar, whose music is predominantly in Spanish, has already generated massive excitement and predictable controversy. Conservative commentators have criticized the choice, but the NFL is not backing down.
By flanking Bad Bunny’s performance with a diverse array of American artists, the NFL is crafting a narrative of unity and cultural breadth. It’s a message that American tradition, represented by the patriotic songs, and global popular culture can coexist and thrive on the same stage. Jon Barker, the NFL’s SVP of Global Event Production, stated, “These artists bring a distinct voice to the moment, helping set the tone for a day that will captivate fans around the world.”
The NFL Stands Firm: Goodell’s Defense of a Global Stage
The league has made its position unequivocally clear. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has publicly defended the choice of Bad Bunny, noting that criticism is expected for any artist chosen for such a massive platform, a stance detailed in reports from People. “I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism,” Goodell stated, emphasizing that Bad Bunny is “one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world.”
This defense underscores a deliberate strategy, heavily influenced by the league’s live music strategist, Jay-Z, and Roc Nation. They are not just booking popular acts; they are reading the cultural tea leaves and positioning the Super Bowl as a forward-looking event that reflects the changing demographics of not just America, but the world.
More Than Music: A Landmark for Inclusivity
Beyond the headliners, Super Bowl LX is making significant strides in inclusivity. The broadcast will feature American Sign Language (ASL) performances by renowned Deaf artists Fred Beam and Julian Ortiz. In a historic first, the halftime show’s signed rendition will incorporate Puerto Rican Sign Language, led by Deaf Puerto Rican performer Celimar Rivera Cosme. This is a groundbreaking move that demonstrates a deep commitment to accessibility and representation, ensuring the event is a shared experience for all communities.
Ultimately, the complete Super Bowl LX entertainment package is the NFL’s boldest declaration yet. It is an acknowledgment that the heart of popular culture is diverse, multilingual, and unapologetically modern. For fans, it promises a Super Bowl Sunday that is not only a celebration of sport but a vibrant reflection of the world we live in today.
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