Andra Day Delivers Rousing Version of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” During Super Bowl Preshow

Kimberly Nordyke
·2 min read
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Andra Day delivered a rousing performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” on Sunday ahead of Super Bowl LVIII.

The Grammy winner and past Oscar nominee took to the field during the pregame portion to sing the song dressed in a two-piece beige pantsuit adorned with gold bangles, rings and earrings. She was backed by a chorus of singers dressed in all black.

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Standing behind them were the 2023 nominees for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which honors a player for the achievements on and off the field, focusing on their philanthropic endeavors and community efforts. The 2023 winner is Cameron Heyward of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who gave a brief speech ahead of Day’s performance.

Day follows in the footsteps of others who have performed the song, known as the Black National Anthem, including Sheryl Lee Ralph, Mary Mary and Alicia Keys.

Day received an Oscar nom and won a Golden Globe for her feature acting debut in 2021 for The United States vs Billie Holiday. She also has received multiple Grammy noms, including for her song “Rise Up” and the album it appears on, Cheers to the Fall, in 2016; her song “Stand Up for Something” on the Marshall soundtrack, in 2018; and the United States vs. Billie Holiday soundtrack, which she won for in 2022.

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” was produced and arranged by Emmy-winning musical director and producer Adam Blackstone.

The performance also featured American Sign Language performances. On behalf of the National Association of the Deaf, actor and choreographer Shaheem Sanchez signed “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Also during the preshow, Post Malone sang “American the Beautiful,” while Reba McEntire performed the national anthem.

The Kansas City Chiefs are defending their title against the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl, which is airing live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

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