Charlie Puth Vows to Keep His Promise Following NFL's National Anthem Announcement

Charlie Puth is set to perform on one of the most prominent stages in American sports, and early criticism hasnt shaken his confidence. The four-time Grammy nominee will deliver the national anthem at Super Bowl LX, announced by the NFL, and he responded directly to an online comment comparing him to Whitney Houston.

Rather than avoiding the attention, Puth made a bold declaration that his Super Bowl performance will rank among his strongest. The announcement is part of the NFLs full pregame lineup for the championship game on February 8, 2026, at Levis Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Brandi Carlile will perform America the Beautiful, Coco Jones will sing Lift Every Voice and Sing, and Puth will open with the national anthem for a massive audience on NBC, Telemundo, and Peacock.

Not everyone was immediately excited. One political commentator posted on X, expressing doubt: Man weve fallen from when Whitney Houston sang at the Super Bowl. Charlie Puth? Hes not gonna give us vocals Im afraid. Puth responded with measured confidence: Ill never claim to be as good of a singer as Whitney Houston ever was. But I assure you were putting a really special arrangement together in D major. Itll be one of my best vocal performances.

Puths reply resonated not because it was defensive, but because he honored Houstons legendary 1991 performance while standing by his own skills. The following day, he posted a short Instagram video demonstrating some of the anthems most challenging notes, walking viewers through the jumps from low to high. The clip showcased his expertise as a trained arranger and producer, revealing the technical precision behind his work.

His approach also gave fans a glimpse of his dedication. Rather than reacting with frustration, he turned the moment into an opportunity to illustrate the care and preparation behind his performance.

The pregame show will feature acclaimed artists. Brandi Carlile, an 11-time Grammy winner, and Coco Jones, a recent Grammy recipient for her hit ICU, will perform alongside Puth. Their segments will include American Sign Language interpreters, ensuring accessibility for a wide audience.

Super Bowl LX will also feature Bad Bunny as the halftime headliner, a choice that has sparked discussion in political circles. The NFL has defended the decision, highlighting him as one of the most popular entertainers worldwide.

By promising one of his best vocal performances, Puth has set high expectations for himself and built anticipation among fans. The conversation has shifted from skepticism to curiosity: Can he deliver? Puth appears ready to prove that he can.

Related: NFL Announces National Anthem Singer for Super Bowl LX

Author: Sophia Brooks