Singer Ledisi sent fans wild with a breathtaking performance of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ at the Super Bowl on Sunday, moments after President Trump had arrived at Caesars Superdome.
The performance had been a source of scrutiny earlier in the week, especially after it emerged the NFL was removing its ‘End Racism’ signs from the end zone for the Super Bowl.
But Ledisi’s powerful performance in New Orleans sparked widespread praise on social media on Sunday night.
She took to the field moments after President Trump had arrived at the stadium for the biggest night in the sporting calendar in the United States.
One new Ledisi fan wrote: ‘Wow. I don’t know who that woman was that sung “Lift Every Voice And Sing” at beginning of Super Bowl just now with the children’s choir, but…Wow! That was magnificent.’
Another said: ‘Ledisi is taking us to church, performing Lift Every Voice and Sing.’
Singer Ledisi sent fans wild with a breathtaking performance of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’
Ledisi had a choir behind her that left fans stunned and impressed as they watched on
The performance came shortly after President Trump had arrived at the stadium
Ledisi fought back the tears while discussing what the anthem means to her at a press conference days out from Super Bowl LIX, admitting she is ‘overwhelmed’ to be in this position.
‘I feel like I’m in alignment with greatness to stand in this moment and sing that song,’ the 52-year-old said. ‘So that’s all I can say, I’m honored.’
After acknowledging that she was getting emotional, Ledisi revealed she has been ‘choked’ up ever since receiving the offer to perform at the Super Bowl.
‘I think I’m choked up the whole time, even [from] the phone call. It starts there,’ she continued.
‘But I’m used to this in my career, standing in moments, representing the past and the future and the current state of the world, I’m used to that pressure.
‘I just remember who I’m doing it for. I remember my ancestors, I remember everyone waiting for this moment to feel hopeful and to feel represented.
‘So yeah, I do get choked up. I’m choked up the whole time. But I have a job to do.’
