The Philadelphia Eagles are pulling out all the stops for Thursday night’s season opener on September 4, 2025. The defending Super Bowl champions will host their NFC East rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, at Lincoln Financial Field, but the excitement starts before kickoff. Two powerhouse musical acts will set the tone for what promises to be an electric atmosphere in Philadelphia.
Who Will Perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at Lincoln Financial Field?
American vocalist and composer Laurin Talese will take center stage to perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before the Eagles and Cowboys square off. The announcement came Monday, marking Talese’s first performance at an NFL game.
“I’m feeling so excited and honored,” Talese said. “I’m really excited to see what it’s going to feel like. … I love feeling the pulse of the city, but I’ve never been to a game. So, this is my entrance. This is my foray into real-life Eagles fandom, and being able to really be a part of it, like, what better way? It’s kind of crazy, actually.”
While Talese was born in Cleveland, Ohio, she made Philadelphia her home in 2000 when she enrolled at the University of the Arts. By 2004, she had planted firm roots in the city, launching her career as a background singer before stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist.
Her debut album, “Gorgeous Chaos,” has climbed to No. 14 on Billboard’s Traditional Jazz Album chart. However, for Talese, the chance to perform at an Eagles game holds a unique place in her journey.
“It’s pretty up there,” Talese said when asked where this performance ranks. “I’ve been able to perform all around the world … but this is a rare opportunity because it’s in the city where I’ve called home for 25 years. It’s for a team that I love and that I’ve supported and I’ve seen win and seen overcome hurdles and challenges.”
How Will Laurin Talese Channel Her Eagles Fandom Into Her Performance?
That deep connection to both Philadelphia and the Eagles will fuel Talese’s performance on Thursday night. After 25 years in the city, she’s witnessed the team’s journey through championships and challenges alike.
“I am going to sing my butt off,” she added. “I’m going to have so much passion and pride just about how far this team has come…I’m going to be really emotionally charged and sing it from my heart.”
Meanwhile, the legendary vocal harmony group Boyz II Men will handle the national anthem. The trio, composed of Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman, brings serious star power to Lincoln Financial Field.
The group has reportedly sold over 60 million albums throughout their career, making them one of the most successful R&B acts of all time.
