Charlie Puth captivated audiences with his powerful rendition of the national anthem at Super Bowl LX, held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 11, 2026. Joining him on stage was Fred Beam, a deaf artist, who performed the anthem in American Sign Language (ASL). This moment marked a significant highlight of the evening, showcasing both vocal talent and inclusivity.
Puth, who is a four-time Grammy nominee, dressed in a brown leather jacket, a tie, and blue jeans, bringing a modern flair to the traditional performance. He followed the footsteps of renowned artists such as Jon Batiste, who performed at the previous year’s Super Bowl in Louisiana, and other notable performers like Reba McEntire and Chris Stapleton.
Preparation and Inspiration
At a press conference prior to the event, Puth shared insights into his preparation process. “The arrangement is everything for me,” he explained during an interview with host Zane Lowe. He described his method of reverse engineering music, which involves deconstructing the sounds he envisions in his head. Puth mentioned that he had been rehearsing mentally for months, often singing in the shower and car, admitting to feeling “nerves” before taking the stage.
“This is a very musically difficult song to sing. It’s important not to oversing it,” he noted. Puth expressed a desire for his performance to inspire others, stating, “I want everybody to know that music is such an amazing thing and can change so many people’s lives.” His passion for music was evident as he reflected on the ability of song to enrich daily life.
Despite facing skepticism from some critics upon his announcement as a Super Bowl performer in December, Puth remained focused on his artistic vision. Political commentator Link Lauren criticized the choice, comparing him unfavorably to the legendary Whitney Houston, who delivered an iconic national anthem performance in 1991. In response, Puth humbly acknowledged Houston’s talent while assuring fans that he was crafting a special arrangement for the song.
A Personal Journey
In various interviews, Puth emphasized his respect for Houston’s legacy, noting, “I can’t ever touch what she did.” He expressed a desire to honor her memory while showcasing his own abilities. “I just want to do my own thing with the hardest piece of music ever written,” he said, indicating his aspiration to be recognized as a standalone vocalist.
Puth revealed that he actively sought the opportunity to perform at the Super Bowl. “I actually have always wanted to do this, and I recorded a little demo,” he stated, explaining that he submitted it to Roc Nation. He noted that the demo reached NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who ultimately gave the go-ahead for his performance.
The Super Bowl event also featured a robust lineup of other performers, including Green Day, who headlined the pregame ceremony, Brandi Carlile, who sang “America the Beautiful,” and Coco Jones, performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The halftime show was headlined by Bad Bunny, further adding to the event’s star-studded appeal.
As the New England Patriots faced off against the Seattle Seahawks on the field, Puth’s performance reminded viewers of the profound emotional connection that music can create during monumental moments. His rendition of the national anthem not only showcased his vocal prowess but also served as an inspiring tribute to the power of music in uniting audiences across the globe.
