Brandi Carlile: Singing for America at Super Bowl LX

When Brandi Carlile takes the stage Sunday before Super Bowl LX, she'll be singing for every American who believes in the country's promise of hope and unity.

The Grammy-winning artist will perform "America the Beautiful" before the Seattle Seahawks face the New England Patriots in Santa Clara, California. She told Variety that performing the patriotic song on the nation's largest stage was an opportunity she couldn't turn down, especially as a representative of the LGBTQ community.

"The throughline to being queer and being a representative of a marginalized community and being put on the largest stage in America to acknowledge the fraught and tender hope that this country is based on, it's something you don't say no to," Carlile explained. "You do it."

Carlile joins Charlie Puth and Coco Jones in the pre-game ceremonies, with Puth performing the national anthem and Jones singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing." The lineup represents a diverse cross-section of American talent sharing their voices at one of the most-watched events in television.

The singer acknowledged that performing at the Super Bowl during divisive times carries extra weight. She believes the classic song might resonate differently with Americans seeking connection and common ground.

"If we're gonna save this country as a people, we have to be reminded on some level that deep down we love it," Carlile said. She emphasized that her decision comes from her personal values as a wife and mother, not from political pressure or social media debates.

Why This Inspires

Carlile's willingness to step into a complex moment shows how art can bridge divides. Rather than avoiding controversy, she's choosing to use her platform to celebrate what unites Americans.

Her focus on her "own moral imperative" rather than external criticism demonstrates the kind of principled courage that inspires others to stand up for their values. She's clear that her activism won't happen in comment sections but through meaningful actions that reflect her deepest beliefs.

The performance represents something powerful: an openly gay artist celebrating American ideals on the country's biggest stage, reminding everyone that patriotism and inclusivity aren't opposing forces.

When the music plays Sunday evening, millions will hear a message of hope that transcends politics and speaks to our shared humanity.