Coco Jones was among the talent selected to participate in the Super Bowl LX pregame show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Sunday (Feb. 8).
Jones, dressed in a custom white Karl Kani ensemble, inspired by Whitney Houston‘s iconic look at the 1991 Super Bowl, delivered a stirring rendition of the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” She was backed by a string octet, who were also dressed in matching white tracksuits.
At the pre-Super Bowl LX press conference, Jones shared how she planned to approach the hymn. “I think, just be authentic. I feel like with “Lift Every Voice,” there’s so much hope and tenacity that I relate to, and everyone does in their own journeys. So, really listening to the lyrics, really sitting and feeling what they mean to me and then naturally reacting to that.”
Jones also shared what was going through her head when she got the call for the opportunity to perform. “Well, definitely some nerves. I’ve had some amazing performers precede me. I think realizing that I’ve been chosen, so I deserve the moment. I deserve the opportunity and, you know, kind of speaking positively so that you just don’t think about the pressure; you just think about the honor that it is.”
The Super Bowl LX pregame entertainment also included Charlie Puth (National Anthem) and Brandi Carlile (“America the Beautiful”).
“Charlie, Brandi, and Coco are generational talents, and we are honored to have them – alongside our extraordinary deaf performers – on Super Bowl LX’s world stage,” said Desiree Perez, CEO of Roc Nation. “This moment embodies the very best of culture, live performance, and our country, perfectly kicking off game day.”
The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show was headlined by Puerto Rican star Bad Bunny.
Watch Coco Jones sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” below or on the NFL’s official YouTube.