Charlie Puth to Perform National Anthem at Super Bowl LX
Charlie Puth, the acclaimed singer-songwriter best known for the emotional tribute song "See You Again" from Furious 7, is set to deliver a memorable performance at one of the world's biggest sporting events. The song, featuring Wiz Khalifa, was created in honor of the late actor Paul Walker, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 2015. Over the years, Puth has garnered significant recognition for this work, winning awards such as the Billboard Music Award, Critics' Choice Award, Hollywood Film Award, and Teen Choice Award, while also earning nominations for prestigious honors like the Grammy Award and Golden Globe Award.
Months of Mental Rehearsal for a Challenging Song
In a recent press conference for the Apple Music Super Bowl 60 pregame show in San Francisco, Puth opened up about the complexities of performing "The Star-Spangled Banner." He described it as a "very musically difficult song to sing" due to the requirement to hit "five more notes above the octave." This insight stems from his educational persona, Professor Puth, which he introduced in August 2025 through a series where he teaches music theory, history, and practical skills using his instruments. With over 15 episodes released, this initiative has reportedly aided his Super Bowl preparation by reinforcing his musical fundamentals.
"The arrangement is everything for me," Puth explained. "I always reverse-engineer how I hear my own music in my head, and then it's just pulling it apart and making it a feasible product as a whole. So, I've been rehearsing this in my head for months, if that makes sense."
Jay-Z's Approval and a Long-Awaited Opportunity
The 34-year-old artist shared the exciting news of his Super Bowl performance in an interview with Rolling Stone, revealing that he had eagerly awaited this chance for a long time. To secure the opportunity, Puth recorded a demo of himself singing with a Rhodes keyboard and submitted it to Roc Nation, the company that collaborates with the NFL on major music selections. "I actually have always wanted to do this," Puth said. "I recorded a little demo, just me singing with the Rhodes, and sent it to Roc Nation. I've been told Jay-Z loved it, and it got to [NFL commissioner] Roger Goodell, and they all said that I could do it."
This performance marks a significant milestone, as Puth will be the first New Jersey native to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl since Whitney Houston's iconic rendition in 1991—the very year Puth was born, making it a 34-year gap.
Inspiring Viewers and Personal Reflections
In December 2025, Puth announced his participation through an Instagram reel, where he humorously attempted to teach football players about the high and low notes of music. He captioned the post: "I can't believe I'm saying this... I will be performing the National Anthem at Super Bowl LX." When asked about his expectations for the halftime show viewers, Puth expressed a desire to inspire. "I want them to feel inspired," he shared. "I want everybody to know that music is such an amazing thing and can change so many people's lives."
Reflecting on his own sports background, Puth admitted, "I played baseball and would kick the dirt by third base. I know that's awkward to admit at such a sporty event, but I tried swimming and tennis, no. Soccer, I would do a backflip in the mud. I always heard music in my head." This blend of musical passion and personal anecdotes highlights the unique journey that has led him to this pivotal moment in his career.
