Grammy-winner Andra Day took to the Allegiant Stadium field Sunday to perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing” ahead of the Super Bowl.
Day, who is known for the smash hit “Rise Up,” has won one Grammy in addition to a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar for her role as singer Billie Holiday in the 2021 film The United States vs. Billie Holiday.
“More than anything, it’s an honor. It’s exciting,” Day said of her Super Bowl performance at a pre-event press conference, while also admitting, “My body’s gonna be shaking like hell.”
The song was considered the black national anthem shortly after it was written in 1900. It became a rallying cry during the Civil Rights movement. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” has been performed at the Super Bowl since 2021, following Black Lives Matter riots nationwide prompted by the death of George Floyd.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had already been experiencing small protests on the field, with some players opting to kneel during the national anthem before 2021. The addition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was meant to appeal to these activists, asking the league for better representation for black players and fans.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
However, not everyone thinks the hymn should be performed ahead of the game.
“My dad was a World War II vet, and I was raised to be proud of that flag. I was raised to know that meritocracy is what my country comes down to. And that’s what the NFL and military used to stand for: meritocracy, coming together,” Owens said. “We cared about the fact of winning and became brothers. That’s what our country is all about. We, the people, do not care about this mess,” Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT) told Fox Business’s Mornings With Maria on Friday.
The national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and “America the Beautiful” will also be performed as longer-held traditions.
