Brandi Carlile to Sing 'America the Beautiful' at Super Bowl LX

The Grammy-winning artist opens up about performing the patriotic song as an openly gay woman during a divisive time in the country.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 5:55pm

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Singer Brandi Carlile, 44, is set to perform 'America the Beautiful' at Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California on February 8, 2026. Carlile, who is openly gay, spoke to Variety about her decision to take on the high-profile gig, saying she feels a 'moral imperative' to represent marginalized communities on the biggest stage. The performance comes amid controversy over the NFL's choice of Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny as the halftime show performer, with some conservatives criticizing the decision.

Why it matters

Carlile's performance of the patriotic song as an openly gay artist holds symbolic significance, as she represents marginalized communities on the national stage during a politically divisive time. Her decision to accept the gig reflects her belief in the 'fraught and tender hope' the country is based on, despite its flaws.

The details

Carlile will be part of a packed pre-game lineup at Super Bowl LX, which will also feature Green Day and a rendition of 'The Star Spangled Banner' by Charlie Puth. Her performance of 'America the Beautiful' comes before Bad Bunny takes the stage for the halftime show, which has drawn criticism from some conservatives who have chastised the NFL's choice of a Puerto Rican artist who performs in Spanish.

  • Brandi Carlile will perform 'America the Beautiful' at Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026.
  • Bad Bunny is set to headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show.

The players

Brandi Carlile

A Grammy and Emmy award-winning singer-songwriter who is openly gay.

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican artist, real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, who is set to perform the Super Bowl LX halftime show and has faced criticism from some conservatives.

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What they’re saying

“I have my own moral code, my own moral imperative, that I have to answer to at the end of the day, as a wife and a mother, and I believe in my ability and responsibility to do this, and that's why I'm here.”

— Brandi Carlile (Variety)

“And the throughline to being queer and being representative of a marginalized community and being put on the largest stage in America to acknowledge the fraught and tender hope that this country is based on, it's something you don't say no to. You do it.”

— Brandi Carlile (Variety)

“You may not know this, but I'm doing the Super Bowl halftime show. I'm very happy and I think everyone is very happy about it! Even Fox News...”

— Bad Bunny (Saturday Night Live)

“If you didn't understand now what I just said, you have four months to learn!”

— Bad Bunny (Saturday Night Live)

What’s next

The Super Bowl LX pre-game and halftime performances are scheduled for February 8, 2026.

The takeaway

Brandi Carlile's decision to perform 'America the Beautiful' at the Super Bowl as an openly gay artist reflects her belief in the country's 'fraught and tender hope,' despite its divisions. Her high-profile appearance represents marginalized communities on the national stage.