Charlie Puth has been confirmed to perform the national anthem at Super Bowl LX, despite sparking a wave of online debate following the announcement. The 33-year-old singer, known for hits such as Attention and We Don’t Talk Anymore, will take to the stage at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on 8 February 2026.
The announcement prompted criticism from some quarters, most notably political commentator Link Lauren, who tweeted: “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.” The post quickly went viral, prompting responses both in support of and against the singer.
Puth responded to the criticism with characteristic humility, stating: “I’ll never claim to be as good of a singer as Whitney Houston ever was. But we’re preparing a special arrangement in D major, which will be one of my best performances.” Lauren subsequently softened his remarks, adding: “Can’t wait! I miss big belting divas like Whitney. Make sure it’s D major.”
The NFL confirmed the remainder of the pregame entertainment, produced in partnership with Roc Nation, which will include Brandi Carlile performing America the Beautiful and Coco Jones delivering Lift Every Voice and Sing. Both performances will feature dedicated American Sign Language interpreters, ensuring accessibility for all attendees.
Puth’s Super Bowl appearance coincides closely with the release of his fourth studio album, Whatever’s Clever!, scheduled for 6 March 2026. The lead single, Changes, released in October 2025, has already offered fans a glimpse of the new record’s musical direction.
The singer’s dual milestones—the Super Bowl performance and album release—represent a significant moment in his career, demonstrating how talent and humility can transform early criticism into anticipation and positive engagement. Fans and critics alike are now watching closely to see whether Puth’s live rendition will echo the passion and resonance of past iconic Super Bowl performances.
Super Bowl LX Pregame Performances – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
| Performer | Song | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Charlie Puth | The Star-Spangled Banner | Special arrangement in D major |
| Brandi Carlile | America the Beautiful | ASL interpretation |
| Coco Jones | Lift Every Voice and Sing | ASL interpretation |
With both the Super Bowl stage and a new album on the horizon, Charlie Puth’s early 2026 promises to be a defining period in his artistic journey.