*We reported previously that R&B legend Babyface and “Abbott Elementary” star Sheryl Lee Ralph, have been announced as opening performers for Super Bowl LVII on February 12 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
As EUR’s Willy Mwanza Mwanza writes, the two will both sing solo before kickoff. Sheryl Lee Ralph will perform the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” while Babyface will sing “America the Beautiful.”
Babyface posted on Twitter that he is “Truly excited and honored.”
Sheryl added, “Someone wake me up from this dream.”
READ MORE: Babyface & Sheryl Lee Ralph Set to Open 2023 Super Bowl
Speaking to ET Online about being invited to perform at the upcoming sporting event, the award-winning celeb admitted to accepting the offer with no hesitation, saying “a moment of like, “What me? They want me to sing at the Super Bowl – a song that has never been a part of the opening ceremonies? Me? Yes!”
The actress continued, “I’ve been saying through the whole awards season, ‘It’s about the nomination,’ and for me, this is a nomination.” Ralph declared, noting that she is “ready to deliver”.
Also slated to perform during Super Bowl is country music star Chris Stapleton, who will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Per EUR’s original report, Chris Stapleton’s performance will mark the second year in a row a country music performer sings the national anthem at the event. Last year just before the faceoff between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals, Mickey Guyton sang the centuries-old ballad with Jhene Aiko taking “America The Beautiful” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” harmonized by Mary Mary and the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles.
The Wrap has reported that deaf performer Justina Miles will sign “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and also provide the ASL rendition of the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show, while CODA Oscar winner Troy Kotsur will sign the national anthem for Stapleton. On the other hand, Colin Denny, a Deaf Native American, will sign “America the Beautiful.”
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
