As Super Bowl LIX gears up to take over the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the NFL has tapped a cadre of rhythm and blues virtuosos to set the tone for the big game, paying homage to the musical roots of The Big Easy. The league unveiled yesterday its picks for the pregame entertainment, bringing a mix of local flair and Grammy-winning talent to the stage, including Jon Batiste, Trombone Shorty, Lauren Daigle, and Ledisi. "We’re honored to work with this year’s pregame lineup to celebrate the rich musical legacy of New Orleans and the entire state," NFL's head of music Seth Dudowsky said, according to WWLTV.
Approaching the lineup, Jon Batiste, already widely celebrated for his multifaceted musical prowess, cannot seem to stay out of the spotlight. Riding high with Grammy nominations for his documentary "American Symphony" and recent release, "Beethoven Blues (Batiste Piano Series, Vol. 1)," his presence at the pregame show is to surely jazz up the festivities. Further elevating the roster, Trombone Shorty's fusion of funk, soul, R&B, and rock, not to mention his tours with the likes of Lenny Kravitz, have slated him as a performer to watch closely, as reported by WISN.
Lauren Daigle, whose contemporary Christian sound has garnered her two Grammy wins for her hit song "You Say," and Ledisi, recognized with a Grammy for her 2020 single "Anything for You," will join this illustrious lineup. Each artist brings their own distinct vibe to the pregame mix. Laudably, Ledisi has not only shone in the recording studio but has also graced the silver screen in films such as "Selma," as per WISN.
The halftime show is poised to sharply contrast the pregame bluesy mood, prominently featuring rap king Kendrick Lamar, a return act who knows to unmistakably ignite the stadium with his powerhouse rhymes. Three years after sharing the stage with icons like Dr. Dre and Eminem, Lamar is set to deliver another unforgettable performance, one that follows up on his previous Emmy-winning halftime show. These details about the halftime show come from The Hollywood Reporter.
In an exhibition of talent that mirrors the cultural tapestry of New Orleans, Super Bowl LIX's pregame spectacle will resonantly kick off one of America's most watched sporting events. With musicians steeped in the heart and soul of the city's rhythm, the stage is set, quite literally, to celebrate the indelible spirit that only music and football together can evoke.
