Coco Jones Performs Black National Anthem at Super Bowl LX

Coco Jones delivered a stirring performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" during the pregame show at Super Bowl LX on Sunday in Santa Clara, California, where the Seattle Seahawks faced the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium.

The Grammy-winning R&B artist, backed by an eight-piece string section composed entirely of Black women, sang the song often referred to as the Black national anthem with a powerful and expressive delivery. Her appearance marked the latest in a tradition that began in 2021 with Alicia Keys at Super Bowl LV and continued with performers including Mary Mary, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Andra Day, and Ledisi. Jones's rendition coincided with the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, adding layers of historical resonance to the moment.

Before taking the stage, Jones turned heads with her custom outfit designed by streetwear pioneer Karl Kani, a deliberate homage to Whitney Houston's iconic white tracksuit from her 1991 performance of the U.S. national anthem at Super Bowl XXV. Kani reimagined the look for a modern era, featuring a cropped white jacket, an asymmetric high-low bubble skirt with a long train, and bedazzled stripes in red, black, and green to evoke...