Charlie Puth will perform the United States national anthem at Super Bowl LX, and the artist himself revealed that he got the opportunity by taking the initiative and “old-fashioned way”.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, the 34-year-old singer explained that he recorded a home demo, singing only with a Rhodes piano, and sent it directly to Roc Nation, the production company headed by Jay-Z that collaborates with the NFL in organizing the show.
According to Puth, the material reached Jay-Z, who approved the proposal before it was presented to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. “I always wanted to do this. I recorded a little demo and sent it in. I was told that Jay-Z loved it and that everyone agreed that I could do it,” he said.
An unconventional audition and a historic challenge
Puth acknowledged that it was a self-created audition. “I showed up and auditioned, but I made it up because I always wanted to sing the anthem. Musically it’s the best song, it’s very special,” he explained.
I auditioned, I’ve always wanted to sing the anthem
The performer also admitted to feeling pressure because of the magnitude of the moment, especially because of inevitable comparisons to Whitney Houston’s historic 1991 performance. Puth also highlighted the personal symbolism of the event, as Houston and he share the same home state, New Jersey.
“It’s a great honor. I will be inspired by what Whitney did, but I will never be able to match it,” she said. She also mentioned Chris Stapleton’s version as another recent high-level reference.
Response to criticism and defense of his vocal ability
After announcing his participation in the Super Bowl, Puth received criticism on social media, where some users doubted his ability to perform such a demanding piece. The singer responded directly to these comments, assuring that he does not intend to compare himself to Houston, but that he is preparing a special arrangement in D major.
The US national anthem is one of the most difficult pieces ever written
“The anthem is one of the most difficult pieces of music ever written,” Puth explained, pointing to its wide vocal range as the main challenge. “I just want to do my own version and prove that I can do it. Sometimes I feel like people don’t see me as an independent vocalist.”
A key moment in his career
Charlie Puth was officially announced as a Super Bowl artist in December and celebrated the news with a humorous video on social media. His performance of the national anthem will be part of the pre-Super Bowl LX ceremonies, one of the most watched television events in the world.
With this performance, Puth faces one of the most demanding stages of his career, in a challenge that combines history, media pressure and musical prestige.
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