For the fifth year in a row, the Super Bowl will feature a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the song that’s more widely known as the Black national anthem. The song will be performed by Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Ledisi.
The relatively-new tradition of singing the Black national anthem began in 2021 with a pre-recorded video of Alicia Keys performing the hymn. Then, gospel duo Mary Mary performed the song in Los Angeles, while Sheryl Lee Ralph sang the anthem ahead of Super Bowl 57. Last year, Andra Day sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing” in Las Vegas before Super Bowl 58.
Ledisi will perform the Black national anthem prior to the game, which will also include Jon Batiste singing the American national anthem. Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle will also perform “America the Beautiful”.
Who is Ledisi?
Performing the Black national anthem will be extra special for Ledisi given where Super Bowl 59 is being played.
Born and raised in New Orleans, music was ingrained in Ledisi at an early age. By the time she was eight years old, she was performing with the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra. She is known for her vocal range and ability to sing different music genres like R&B, soul, jazz, and funk.
In 2021, Ledisi paid homage to one of her biggest inspirations as a singer, Nina Simone, and released a tribute album called “Ledisi Sings Nina.” Earlier that year, she won her first-ever Grammy Award for “Best Traditional R&B Performance.”
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” performed by @ledisi and 125 high school students from New Orleans. 🙌pic.twitter.com/AuiegyyvQt
— PFSN (@PFN365) February 9, 2025
Ledisi is touring for only three months this year. According to her website, her tour kicks off with her pregame performance of the Black national anthem at the Super Bowl.
Shortly thereafter, she’s performing in Grand Prairie and Sugar Land, Texas. After her Texas stops, Ledisi is playing back-to-back days at Blues Jam 2025 in New York on Feb. 21 and 22.
She’ll take a two-month hiatus after that. Then she will head to Las Vegas for the Las Vegas City of Lights Jazz and R&B Festival on April 26.
Ledisi’s tour will conclude where it started when she performs at the New Orleans Jazz Fest on May 3.