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SuperBowl – Coco Jones set a reflective tone at the 2026 Super Bowl, delivering a stirring rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before kickoff between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium. The performance, held just moments before the teams stepped onto the field, drew attention for both its vocal strength and its visual nod to one of the most memorable moments in Super Bowl history.

A Tribute Rooted in Super Bowl History

Jones, 28, is widely recognized for her work as a singer-songwriter and for her acting role in the television drama Bel-Air. On Sunday, however, she stepped into a different spotlight — one shaped by legacy. Her appearance paid homage to Whitney Houston’s celebrated 1991 Super Bowl performance of the national anthem, a rendition that remains one of the most iconic in NFL history.

Dressed in a white cropped athletic jacket accented with a red stripe across the chest and along one sleeve, Jones blended classic and contemporary style. She completed the look with a flowing high-low skirt featuring a dramatic peplum detail, creating a visual statement that echoed Houston’s historic ensemble while maintaining her own artistic identity.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight ahead of the game, Jones said she was eager for audiences to notice the similarities. She revealed that fashion icon Karl Kani collaborated with her on the outfit’s design. Referring to Kani as a pioneering figure in hip-hop fashion, Jones shared her excitement about giving him a moment on one of the world’s largest stages.

Preparing for a Meaningful Performance

Beyond the fashion, Jones emphasized the emotional weight of the song itself. “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black national anthem, carries deep historical and cultural significance. According to Jones, preparing for the performance required more than vocal rehearsals.

She explained that she spent time reflecting on the lyrics and their message of perseverance and hope. The song’s themes, she noted, resonate with her own personal journey as well as with broader shared experiences. Rather than focusing solely on technique, Jones said she allowed herself to absorb the meaning of the words and respond to them naturally.

That approach was evident in her delivery, which balanced power and restraint. The stadium crowd, already energized for the championship matchup, responded with attentive silence during the performance before erupting into applause.

Embracing the Stage Without Pressure

Taking part in a Super Bowl ceremony is widely regarded as a milestone for performers. Jones acknowledged that many notable artists have taken the same stage before her. Instead of allowing that history to become a source of pressure, she said she chose to focus on gratitude.

Speaking candidly before the game, Jones described the opportunity as an honor and said she reminded herself that being selected meant she belonged there. Maintaining a positive mindset, she added, helped her shift attention away from expectations and toward appreciation of the moment.

The Super Bowl, watched by millions across the United States and around the world, often becomes a defining platform for artists. For Jones, the performance marked another high-profile chapter in a career that has steadily expanded across music and television.

As the Patriots and Seahawks prepared for kickoff, Jones’ tribute served as a reminder of the Super Bowl’s broader cultural impact. Beyond the competition on the field, the event continues to showcase music, fashion and moments that connect generations of viewers.