Jon Batiste Leads Louisiana-Themed Super Bowl Pregame Show

Jon Batiste Leads Louisiana-Themed Super Bowl Pregame Show \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Super Bowl LVIII pregame festivities will honor Louisiana’s rich musical heritage, with Jon Batiste performing the national anthem and Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle delivering “America the Beautiful.” Grammy winner Ledisi will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” while Kendrick Lamar headlines the halftime show. The February 9 event at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans emphasizes inclusivity with ASL performances and celebrates the state’s cultural legacy.

Super Bowl Pregame: Louisiana Stars and Cultural Pride

• Jon Batiste Headlines: Grammy and Oscar-winning musician Jon Batiste will sing the national anthem.
• Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle: The pair will perform a powerful rendition of “America the Beautiful.”
• Ledisi Performs “Lift Every Voice”: Grammy winner Ledisi joins the star-studded lineup.
• Inclusivity in Focus: ASL interpreters will accompany all performances, ensuring accessibility for all audiences.
• Kendrick Lamar at Halftime: The rap icon’s show, produced by Roc Nation, promises an unforgettable spectacle.

Deep Look

Super Bowl LVIII’s pregame performances will be a celebration of Louisiana’s iconic musical culture, featuring a lineup of artists who call the state home. Taking place on February 9 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, the NFL championship game’s pregame show will highlight the unique sounds of the region, blending jazz, funk, soul, and contemporary Christian music.

Led by Jon Batiste’s performance of the national anthem, the event will also feature Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle delivering “America the Beautiful,” and Ledisi singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

A Tribute to Louisiana’s Rich Legacy

Jon Batiste

Jon Batiste, a multi-talented performer and proud Louisiana native, will open the pregame ceremonies with the national anthem. Known for his Grammy and Oscar-winning artistry, Batiste is a former bandleader for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and an innovative musician celebrated for his ability to blend genres.

This year, Batiste’s documentary American Symphony earned Grammy nominations for Best Music Film and Best Song Written for Visual Media. His recent work, Beethoven Blues (Batiste Piano Series, Vol. 1), reinterprets classical piano with his unique style. From composing scores for films like Saturday Night to his breakout hit “We Are,” Batiste remains a dynamic force in music.

Trombone Shorty

Grammy-winning musician Trombone Shorty brings his signature blend of funk, soul, rock, and R&B to the performance of “America the Beautiful.” A New Orleans legend, Shorty has toured with global superstars like the Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Lenny Kravitz, earning acclaim for his electrifying live shows.

Lauren Daigle

Lauren Daigle, a two-time Grammy-winning contemporary Christian artist, joins Trombone Shorty for a stirring rendition of “America the Beautiful.” Her 2018 hit “You Say,” from her critically acclaimed album Look Up Child, catapulted her to international fame, solidifying her as one of Louisiana’s most celebrated performers.

Ledisi

Grammy winner Ledisi will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black national anthem. Known for her powerful vocals and versatility, Ledisi has also made her mark in acting, appearing in films like Selma, Leatherheads, and Spinning Gold. Her 2020 single “Anything for You” earned her Grammy recognition and cemented her place as a trailblazing artist.

Inclusivity at the Forefront

The NFL has prioritized accessibility by including American Sign Language (ASL) interpretations for all pregame and halftime performances.

• ASL for the National Anthem and “America the Beautiful”: Actor Stephanie Nogueras will interpret the performances in ASL.
• “Lift Every Voice and Sing”: Otis Jones IV will provide the ASL interpretation for Ledisi’s performance.
• Halftime Show: Kendrick Lamar’s performance will feature ASL interpretation by Matt Maxey, ensuring the iconic halftime show remains accessible to all audiences.

Kendrick Lamar Headlines Halftime Show

The Super Bowl halftime show will feature rap superstar Kendrick Lamar, known for his introspective lyrics, dynamic performances, and cultural influence. As a Pulitzer Prize-winning artist, Lamar has become a defining voice in modern music.

Produced by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins, the halftime show promises to deliver a spectacle combining artistic innovation and powerful messaging.

A Celebration of New Orleans

This year’s pregame lineup pays homage to New Orleans’ deep musical roots and Louisiana’s cultural heritage. “We’re honored to work with this year’s pregame lineup to celebrate the rich musical legacy of New Orleans and the entire state,” said Seth Dudowsky, the NFL’s head of music.

The performances also highlight the diversity of Louisiana’s contributions to music, from jazz and funk to gospel and contemporary Christian genres. The pregame show ensures that local talent takes center stage on one of the world’s most-watched platforms.

What to Expect on Game Day

The pregame performances will air live on Fox, leading up to the NFL’s championship matchup. With a lineup featuring Grammy-winning artists, iconic New Orleans sounds, and inclusive performances, this year’s Super Bowl promises to blend entertainment with cultural celebration.

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