LOS ANGELES (AP) — The upcoming Super Bowl pregame event is set to showcase a vibrant taste of Louisiana’s rich musical heritage. Performers including multi-talented artist Jon Batiste will take the stage to deliver the national anthem. Additionally, renowned musicians Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle are scheduled to sing “America the Beautiful.”
The performances are scheduled for February 9 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, just before the NFL championship game, which will also feature a highly anticipated halftime show led by rap superstar Kendrick Lamar, as announced by the league on Thursday.
Seth Dudowsky, the NFL’s head of music, expressed pride in the lineup, stating, “We’re excited to collaborate with this year’s pregame lineup to honor the remarkable musical legacy of New Orleans and the entire state.”
As part of the pregame festivities, Ledisi will perform “ Lift Every Voice and Sing,” further enriching the celebration of Louisiana’s musical contributions, all of which will be broadcasted on Fox. Notably, all of the pregame performers are originally from Louisiana.
In a nod to inclusivity, the national anthem and “America the Beautiful” will be interpreted in American sign language by actor Stephanie Nogueras. The song “Lift Every Voice and Sing” will also be presented in sign language by Otis Jones IV, while the halftime show will feature signing by Matt Maxey.
For the halftime show, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation company will co-produce alongside Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins, promising a high-energy performance that captivates audience members.
Batiste, a Grammy and Oscar winner, is well known as the former bandleader for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” His documentary “American Symphony” has received a nomination for best music film, and the song “It Never Went Away,” featured in the documentary, is competing for best song written for visual media at the upcoming Grammys. He also recently released “ Beethoven Blues (Batiste Piano Series, Vol. 1),” a fresh interpretation of Beethoven’s works.
Trombone Shorty, recognized for his unique fusion of funk, soul, R&B, and rock, is a Grammy awardee and has shared stages with music legends like Lenny Kravitz, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the Foo Fighters. On the other hand, Lauren Daigle is an accomplished contemporary Christian singer who earned two Grammys for her hit song “You Say,” featured on her acclaimed album “Look Up Child.”
Similarly, Ledisi has a Grammy award for her 2020 hit “Anything for You” and has graced the silver screen in films such as “Leatherheads,” “Spinning Gold,” and the Oscar-nominated “Selma.”
