Charlie Puth captivated audiences with his powerful rendition of the national anthem at Super Bowl LX on February 12, 2026, held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The four-time Grammy nominee showcased his vocal talent while wearing a brown leather jacket, a tie, and blue jeans. Puth was joined by Fred Beam, a deaf artist who performed the anthem in American Sign Language, adding a unique and inclusive element to the performance.
Puth’s appearance at the Super Bowl follows a prestigious list of previous performers, including Jon Batiste in 2025, Reba McEntire in 2024, and Chris Stapleton in 2023. The artist expressed his excitement for this opportunity, explaining his preparation process during a press conference ahead of the event. “The best way for me specifically to approach is the arrangement is everything for me,” Puth mentioned while speaking to host Zane Lowe. He emphasized the importance of careful arrangement, stating he had been rehearsing the anthem in his head for months.
Puth acknowledged the challenges of performing such a musically demanding piece. “This is a very musically difficult song to sing. It’s important not to oversing it,” he said, admitting he felt “nerves” before stepping onto the stage. His aim was to inspire listeners, highlighting the transformative power of music. “Everybody loves music. It can color every aspect of your day so vividly,” he noted.
Despite facing criticism from some quarters after being announced as a performer in December 2025, Puth remained confident. Political commentator Link Lauren voiced skepticism, comparing Puth unfavorably to the legendary Whitney Houston, who delivered an iconic performance in 1991. Puth responded directly on social media, acknowledging Houston’s unparalleled talent while asserting the uniqueness of his own arrangement. “I assure you we’re putting a really special arrangement together—in D major. It’ll be one of my best vocal performances,” he wrote.
In a previous interview with Rolling Stone, Puth expressed his admiration for Houston’s legacy, stating, “I’m going to be inspired by what Whitney did, but I can’t ever touch what she did.” He recognized the significance of the moment, noting that he would be the second New Jersey native to sing the anthem, following Houston.
Puth’s dedication to the performance was evident as he revealed he had auditioned for the role. He shared that he recorded a demo and sent it to Roc Nation, which garnered the attention of Jay-Z and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “I applied. I auditioned for it, but I made up my own audition because I’ve always wanted to do it,” he explained, showcasing his passion for the national anthem.
As Super Bowl LX unfolded, fans were treated to a lineup of performances including Green Day at the pregame ceremony, Brandi Carlile singing “America the Beautiful,” and Coco Jones performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The halftime show featured Bad Bunny, further enriching the celebratory atmosphere of the event.
Puth’s performance of the national anthem resonated with many, capturing the spirit of the occasion while highlighting his growth as an artist. As the New England Patriots faced off against the Seattle Seahawks, Puth’s rendition added a memorable touch to the Super Bowl experience, reinforcing the enduring power of music in uniting audiences.
