Coco Jones Pays Tribute to Whitney Houston in Super Bowl 2026 Performance

The 28-year-old singer and actress channeled Houston's iconic 1991 Super Bowl look and performance.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Singer-songwriter and actress Coco Jones opened the 2026 Super Bowl with a soulful rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" as a tribute to Whitney Houston's legendary 1991 Super Bowl performance of the "Star Spangled Banner". Jones stepped out in a white, cropped zip-up athletic jacket and a high-low skirt, channeling Houston's iconic look, and said she was humbled by the honor of performing at the Super Bowl.

Why it matters

Coco Jones' tribute to Whitney Houston's Super Bowl performance is a nod to an iconic moment in music and sports history. Houston's rendition of the national anthem is considered one of the greatest live performances ever, and Jones' homage helps carry on that legacy while also showcasing her own talents on a major stage.

The details

Jones said she worked with fashion designer Karl Kani to design her outfit, which featured resemblances to Houston's look. She also reflected on the significance of performing "Lift Every Voice and Sing", saying she related to the song's themes of hope and tenacity. Jones expressed feeling humbled by the opportunity to perform at the Super Bowl, following in the footsteps of other great artists.

  • Coco Jones opened the 2026 Super Bowl on February 9, 2026.
  • Whitney Houston performed the national anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl.

The players

Coco Jones

A 28-year-old singer-songwriter and actress known for her role in the TV series Bel-Air.

Whitney Houston

A legendary singer who delivered an iconic performance of the national anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl.

Karl Kani

A fashion designer who helped Coco Jones design her outfit for the Super Bowl performance, which paid homage to Whitney Houston.

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What they’re saying

“I'm really excited for people to see those resemblances. Karl and I, I had him help me to design this. He's the godfather of hip-hop and fashion. I'm excited for him to get to have his moment with this.”

— Coco Jones (E! News)

“I feel like with Lift Every Voice, there's so much hope and tenacity that I relate to, and everyone does in their own journeys. So really listening to the lyrics, really sitting and feeling what they mean to me and then naturally reacting to that.”

— Coco Jones (E! News)

“I've had some amazing performers precede me and I think realizing that I've been chosen and so I deserve the moment. I deserve the opportunity. And just kind of speaking positively, so you don't think about the pressure. You just think about the honor that it is.”

— Coco Jones (E! News)

The takeaway

Coco Jones' tribute to Whitney Houston's iconic Super Bowl performance not only honored a legendary moment in music history, but also showcased Jones' own talent and artistry on a major stage. Her homage to Houston's look and the significance of the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing" demonstrated Jones' reverence for the past while carving out her own path as a rising star.