Grammy award-winner Gladys Knight will sing the national anthem at Super Bowl 53 on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta, GA.
One of the greatest honors that a performer can receive is being asked to perform the national anthem at the biggest sporting event of the year — the Super Bowl. Nothing can compare to belting out the “The Star-Spangled Banner” on national television in front of the entire country on one of the most-watched moments on television all year.
For this year’s Super Bowl the honor has been handed down to none other than the “Empress of Soul,” Gladys Knight. The 74-year-old singer hails from Atlanta, Georgia which also happens to be hosting the big event. Knight, is a seven-time Grammy Award-winner so we’re pretty sure she won’t pull a Roseanne Barr on us.
Knight is best known for her songs “Midnight Train to Georgia” and “That’s What Friends Are For” and was even inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for her massive contribution to music that spans decades. Knight even dabbled in acting appearing in movies and television shows, including her own The Gladys Knight and the Pips Show.
It wouldn’t be the Super Bowl if it was without some controversy. Knight was initially criticized for accepting the gig due in part to the alleged blacklisting of Colin Kaepernick after protesting police brutality during the anthem. Knight toed the line by openly criticizing Kaepernick’s actions, though she says she understands why he chose to do so.
This will be the first time she has performed at a Super Bowl.
Also performing at this year’s event will be Maroon 5 along with Travis Scott and Big Boi for the always popular half-time show. Super Bowl 53 takes place on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, live from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The New England Patriots are set to face off with the Los Angeles Rams.