The announcement that Andra Day will perform the “Black National Anthem” at the Super Bowl LVIII pregame show has sparked mixed reactions on social media.
“Lift Every Voice and Sing,” unofficially known as the “Black National Anthem.” was written by James Weldon Johnson in 1900 and served as a rallying cry for black Americans during the civil rights era.
While Ms. Day expressed her gratitude about the NFL’s announcement, some X users criticized the decision, suggesting that there is no need for a separate national anthem for the black community. Country music legend Reba McEntire will perform the National Anthem at the pre-game show, while musician Post Malone will deliver a rendition of “America the Beautiful”.
Emmy-winning musical director and producer Adam Blackstone will arrange both “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Ms. McEntire said that she is “honored to be part of something as big and historic as the Super Bowl coming to Las Vegas for the first time.” She added that “2024 marks 50 years since I was discovered singing the National Anthem at the National Finals Rodeo, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate that anniversary.”
Last year, the performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the Super Bowl in Glendale, Ariz., stirred controversy both online and off. Then-Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake made headlines by refusing to stand during the performance.
While some people on X praised the lineup for the Super Bowl LVIII, others criticized the decision to include “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the pre-game show. Some people suggested that it sows division because there already is a national anthem for everyone. Another user said they found “Lift Every Voice and Sing” a “beautiful song” but added they would rather have no anthem at all performed at the Super Bowl “than two divided on race.”
