SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Charlie Puth's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl 2026 set a soulful tone for the high-stakes showdown, drawing inspiration from one of music's most iconic voices. Performing on February 8 at Levi's Stadium, the 34-year-old singer delivered a gospel-infused arrangement that honored the late Whitney Houston, whose legendary 1991 Super Bowl performance remains a benchmark for the event. Puth, who is expecting his first child with wife Brooke Sansone, stepped up to a sleek keyboard amid the pre-game festivities, captivating the crowd and players alike as cameras panned to the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks on the field.
The performance came just before kickoff in the matchup between the two teams, with the Seahawks ultimately claiming victory 29-13 to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Puth's take on the national anthem featured a moving choir-backed arrangement in D major, blending his pop sensibilities with gospel elements. Following the event, he expressed his gratitude on X, writing, “Thank you everyone for your kind words. It was an honor to sing The National Anthem. I wrote the arrangement in a very specific way to honor Whitney Houston—I hope that was heard.”
Puth also acknowledged the collaborators who elevated his set, including the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the Sainted Choir, the Color of Noize Orchestra, conductor Steve Hackman, saxophonist Kenny G, and arranger Adam Blackstone. “Thank you to the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the Sainted Choir, the Color of Noize Orchestra, Steve Hackman, and Kenny G for joining me on stage,” he posted. “And thank you Adam Blackstone for writing such a beautiful choir part. I love music so much.” The ensemble's contributions added depth to the performance, turning it into a collaborative tribute that resonated throughout the stadium.
The pre-game ceremonies extended beyond Puth's anthem, featuring R&B singer Coco Jones delivering "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often called the Black national anthem, and folk artist Brandi Carlile performing "America the Beautiful." These selections underscored the NFL's tradition of diverse musical tributes at its marquee event, held annually since 1967. Jones, known for her roles in television and her rising music career, brought a contemporary flair to the spiritual, while Carlile's acoustic style evoked the song's roots in 19th-century patriotism.
Not all reactions to Puth's selection were unanimously positive leading up to the game. In December, a social media user voiced skepticism about his vocal prowess compared to Houston's powerhouse delivery, posting, "Man we’ve fallen from when Whitney Houston sang at the Super Bowl. Charlie Puth? He’s not gonna give us vocals I’m afraid." Such doubts highlighted the high expectations for Super Bowl performers, where past icons like Houston, Mariah Carey, and Beyoncé have set an enduring standard.
Puth addressed the criticism directly on social media, responding with humility and confidence: “I’ll never claim to be as good of a singer as Whitney Houston ever was. But I assure you we’re putting a really special arrangement together—in D major. It’ll be one of my best vocal performances.” His approach turned potential detractors into intrigued observers, and post-performance feedback appeared to validate his promise, with many praising the emotional depth of the tribute.
The Super Bowl 2026 halftime show further amplified the star power at Levi's Stadium, headlined by Bad Bunny in a high-energy reggaeton spectacle. The Puerto Rican superstar surprised the audience with a guest appearance from Lady Gaga, who joined him onstage for an electrifying moment during his set. Several celebrities, including Jessica Alba, Pedro Pascal, Karol G, Young Miko, David Grutman, Cardi B, and Alix Earle, made cameos, dancing to Bad Bunny's hit "Yo Perreo Sola." The collaboration infused the show with pop and Latin influences, drawing cheers from the packed venue.
Family outings dotted the celebrity sightings throughout the day. Jay-Z attended with daughters Blue Ivy Carter, 14, and Rumi Carter, 8, snapping photos ahead of the Patriots-Seahawks clash. Blackpink's Lisa was spotted repping Levi's apparel while arriving at the stadium, aligning with the event's corporate sponsors. Meanwhile, Orlando Bloom kept a low profile in all-black attire, fresh off his split from Katy Perry last year.
Sports figures and entertainers mingled in the suites and stands. Rob Gronkowski, a longtime Patriots fan, introduced his team before kickoff, while Sebastian Stan turned the event into a father-son outing as he represented the Seahawks. Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end engaged to Taylor Swift, supported from the sidelines despite his team's absence from the finals. Serena Williams made a rare appearance to cheer on a different sport, and influencer Logan Paul was seen in the stands alongside WWE star Logan Paul—wait, no, the source notes the influencer and WWE star, likely referring to the same high-profile figure.
Couples and friends added to the glamour. Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse enjoyed a matching date-night look, while Rob Lowe celebrated with NFL legend Marcus Allen at the Super Bowl LX Pregame. Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, two football greats, greeted fans in NFL bomber jackets, evoking the league's storied history. Ty Dolla Sign and Flavor Flav watched alongside Live Nation Entertainment CEO Michael Rapino, blending hip-hop and entertainment worlds.
Other notables included Ansel Elgort, calm and collected in the audience; Leonardo DiCaprio making a understated entrance; and Niall Horan channeling focus with his playlist. Lana Del Rey smiled from a suite, and Hugh Jackman, the "Dancing With the Stars" winner, brought his charisma from Down Under to the Bay Area. Latin Grammy winner Residente accessorized with a black beret and shades, while Rainn Wilson pondered elevating the experience with his famous chili recipe from "The Office."
The event's celebrity density reflected the Super Bowl's evolution into a cultural phenomenon beyond football, attracting A-listers from film, music, and sports. Jessica Alba posed backstage, Pedro Pascal mingled with the crowd, and Cardi B turned heads in her game-day outfit. Young Miko and Karol G represented rising Latin talent, while Alix Earle and David Grutman added influencer flair.
Amid the festivities, Puth's performance stood out for its personal touch, bridging contemporary pop with historical reverence. His nod to Houston not only addressed pre-event doubts but also reinforced the anthem's role in unifying diverse audiences. As the Seahawks celebrated their triumph, the musical moments lingered, setting a precedent for future Super Bowls to blend innovation with tradition.
Looking ahead, Puth's upcoming fatherhood may influence his next projects, but for now, his Super Bowl contribution cements his versatility. The NFL has yet to announce performers for 2027, but the bar remains high after this blend of nostalgia and spectacle. Fans and critics alike will likely reference Puth's arrangement in discussions of anthem legacies, much like Houston's enduring impact.
With the season concluded, attention shifts to offseason moves for teams like the Patriots, who fell short, and the victorious Seahawks preparing to defend their title. The Super Bowl's off-field stories, from Puth's tribute to star-studded sightings, continue to generate buzz in entertainment circles, underscoring the event's multifaceted appeal.