Grammy-winning singer Coco Jones delivered a stunning performance of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ known as the Black National Anthem, during the pre-game show of Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. Her soulful rendition, accompanied by a string ensemble, highlighted the NFL’s ongoing tradition that began in 2020 to promote racial and social justice.
Jones took to the field at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, wearing an all-white gown with sequin accents in red, black, green, and blue, symbolizing unity and heritage. The performance was part of a star-studded pre-game lineup that included Charlie Puth singing the national anthem, Brandi Carlile performing ‘America the Beautiful,’ and Green Day leading the festivities. As the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots prepared to face off, Jones’ powerful vocals set a poignant tone for the event, which was broadcast to millions worldwide.
Coco Jones, a former Disney child star from Tennessee, has risen to fame with her R&B music, earning five Grammy nominations in 2024 and winning Best R&B Performance for ‘ICU.’ She comes from a football family, being the daughter of former NFL defensive end Mike Jones, and is engaged to NBA player Donovan Mitchell, adding a personal touch to her Super Bowl appearance. Her selection for this role underscores her growing influence in the entertainment industry and her commitment to representing her culture on a global stage.
The song ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ holds deep historical significance, having been written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson in 1900 and set to music by his brother J. Rosamond Johnson. It was adopted as the Black National Anthem by the NAACP in 1919 and became an anthem during the civil rights movement, symbolizing resilience and hope for African Americans. The NFL’s decision to include it in Super Bowl pre-game shows since 2020 came in response to widespread protests following the death of George Floyd, aiming to acknowledge and honor Black cultural contributions.
This year’s performance has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising it as a meaningful inclusion and others criticizing it as divisive, but the league has maintained the tradition as part of its broader diversity initiatives. Social media buzzed with positive feedback, with many viewers applauding Jones’ emotive delivery and the song’s timely message. The inclusion of multiple anthems reflects the NFL’s effort to cater to a diverse audience and promote inclusivity in one of America’s most-watched sporting events.
Looking ahead, Jones’ performance is likely to bolster her career further, with potential new opportunities in music and acting. The continued presence of the Black National Anthem at the Super Bowl suggests that the NFL is committed to keeping social justice issues in the public eye, even as debates around such gestures persist. For fans, the moment served as a reminder of music’s power to unite and inspire, setting the stage for a competitive game that saw the Seahawks emerge victorious.
In summary, Coco Jones’ rendition of the Black National Anthem was a highlight of Super Bowl LX, blending artistic excellence with cultural significance. It reinforced the NFL’s evolving traditions and highlighted Jones’ talent, making it a memorable part of the 2026 sports and entertainment landscape.
