Get ready for goosebumps! The Super Bowl LX kickoff just got a whole lot more soulful thanks to Charlie Puth's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner." But here's where it gets controversial: Was his slowed-down, piano-driven performance a refreshing change or a departure from tradition? Published February 8, 2026, 6:31 PM EST
In a moment that blended reverence with artistic flair, singer-songwriter Charlie Puth took center stage at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, to deliver the national anthem ahead of the Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots matchup. Clad in blue jeans and positioned behind a Rhodes electric piano, Puth offered a smooth, soulful interpretation backed by a choir and horn section. His performance clocked in at 1 minute and 56 seconds—slightly faster than the Super Bowl average but undeniably deliberate in its pacing.
And this is the part most people miss: Puth's approach wasn't just about hitting the notes; it was about infusing the anthem with his signature falsetto and emotional depth. But did it work for everyone? Let us know in the comments!
Who is Charlie Puth?
At 34, Puth is no stranger to the spotlight. A four-time Grammy nominee, he's dominated the pop charts with infectious hits like "See You Again," his 2015 collaboration with Wiz Khalifa for the Furious 7 soundtrack. Fun fact: Puth wrote the song as a tribute to a friend who passed away around the same time as Paul Walker, adding a layer of personal meaning to the track. His rise to fame began on YouTube, where his song covers caught the attention of millions.
Charlie Puth's Hits: A Quick Recap
Beyond "See You Again," Puth's discography is packed with chart-toppers, including:
- "One Call Away"
- "Attention"
- "We Don’t Talk Anymore"
- "Left and Right"
What's Next for Puth?
Mark your calendars: His fourth studio album, Whatever’s Clever!, drops on March 6. Will it live up to the hype? Only time will tell.
The Bigger Picture
Super Bowl LX wasn't just about Puth. Green Day kicked off the festivities with a high-energy performance honoring six decades of the NFL, welcoming past Super Bowl MVPs onto the field. Later, Brandi Carlile and Coco Jones took the stage to perform "America the Beautiful" and "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
Controversial Question: Did Green Day's rock-infused opener set the bar too high for the rest of the performances? Or was Puth's soulful anthem the perfect counterbalance? Share your thoughts below!
For live updates on the Seahawks vs. Patriots game, visit https://www.livenowfox.com/news/super-bowl-live-updates-seahawks-patriots.
Source: The Associated Press, reported from Detroit.
