In Case You Missed It: Eric Church and Jazmine Sullivan’s Star Spangled Duet
Eric Church. Photo: Reid Long
Eric Church and Jazmine Sullivan performed the National Anthem in one of the most stirring early moments of Super Bowl LV in Tampa last night (Feb. 7), meshing the worlds of country and R&B in front of a worldwide audience in a fresh rendition of the standard.
The moment marked the first time in 15 years the Anthem was performed as a collaboration, and also marked the first time Church and Sullivan have ever performed together. The two were connected by Adam Blackstone, a musical director known for his work with Justin Timberlake, Rihanna and previous Super Bowl games. The last time the Anthem was performed in collaboration was in 2006 when Dr. John, Aaron Neville, and Aretha Franklin performed together to open the big game.
Church and Sullivan joined a prestigious lineup of Super Bowl National Anthem performers, including: Luke Bryan, Demi Lovato, Gladys Knight, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Billy Joel, P!NK, Jordin Sparks, Idina Menzel, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, and Neil Diamond.
It was the first time a country artist has taken part in the Super Bowl festivities since Bryan’s 2017 performance. The Weeknd headlined the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show.
