Brandi Carlile, the 11-time Grammy Award winner selected to perform “America the Beautiful” at Sunday’s Super Bowl, has stated that she views her performance as an opportunity to represent what she calls “the queer community” on one of America’s largest stages.
In a recent interview, Carlile discussed her approach to singing the patriotic anthem at the nation’s most-watched sporting event. The singer distinguished herself from other contemporary artists who have recently garnered attention for disparaging the United States, making clear that she maintains a genuine love for this country.
However, Carlile also expressed her belief that “America the Beautiful” contains what she described as an underlying message about radical change, a concept she supports as an activist for LGBT causes.
“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 mother, and I believe in my ability and responsibility to do this, and that’s why I’m here,” Carlile explained regarding her decision to perform despite the current political climate. “And the throughline to being queer and being a 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.”
The performer added a sentiment that may resonate across political divides. “I think if we’re gonna save this country as a people, we have to be reminded on some level that deep down we love it,” she said.
The Super Bowl performance represents a significant platform for any artist. The game traditionally draws more than 100 million viewers, making it one of the most prominent showcases in American entertainment. The pre-game performance of patriotic songs has become a cherished tradition, with past performers including some of the nation’s most celebrated vocalists.
“America the Beautiful” was written by American author and poet Katharine Lee Bates, and has served as an unofficial anthem celebrating the nation’s natural beauty and ideals since its composition in the late 19th century.
Carlile’s comments reflect the ongoing cultural conversations about representation, patriotism, and the meaning of American symbols in an increasingly diverse society. Her stated commitment to both loving the country and advocating for change presents a perspective that attempts to bridge what many see as competing values in contemporary American discourse.
The performance will take place before kickoff on Sunday evening, as millions of Americans gather to watch the championship game that has become an unofficial national holiday.
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