Jon Batiste will perform the National Anthem at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. The NFL revealed Batiste’s involvement with the big game during their annual Thanksgiving games on Thursday (Nov. 28). In the surprise promotional video, the pianist is seen chilling with a band all rocking New Orleans Saints football jerseys. The musician proudly announces that he will be returning to his hometown for “the big game,” where he will perform America’s theme song.
The league’s Turkey Day promo also included information regarding other Louisiana native performers hitting the stage for the Super Bowl, including Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle (“America the Beautiful”) and Ledisi, who will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
NFL head of music Seth Dudowsky released a statement regarding their decision to select the quartet of Grammy award-winning artists for the Super Bowl’s pregame performances.
“We’re honored to work with this year’s pregame lineup to celebrate the rich musical legacy of New Orleans and the entire state,” Dudowsky said in a statement. “The Super Bowl is a rare moment to unite fans around the world, and this year’s performers will bring the energy, soul, and vibrant sounds of the region to a global stage, as we kick off Super Bowl LIX with a celebration to remember.”
And while the Super Bowl’s pregame show appears to be very Louisiana-centric, that all is thrown out the window for the coveted Halftime Show. The NFL previously announced Compton’s Kendrick Lamar will bring his West Coast sensibilities to the South when he hits the stage in February. The decision left the internet (or maybe just Lil Wayne fans) in shambles as most people assumed that Roc Nation and the NFL would select a New Orleans artist for the show. However, K. Dot was not pressed by the online outcry.
“Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date,” Lamar said in a statement at the time. “And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.“
Super Bowl LIX is set to go down on Sunday (Feb. 9) in New Orleans.
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