3 days ago
9
After Charlie Puth performed a soulful rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner,” he shared who inspired the moving moment.
By Sasha Wayman Feb 09, 2026 2:16 PM | Updated 35 minutes ago
Super Bowl 2026: Why Charlie Puth's National Anthem Performance Deserves All the Attention
Charlie Puth’s national anthem rendition hit all the right notes.
After the “We Don’t Talk Anymore” singer performed the patriotic tune ahead of the 2026 Super Bowl Feb. 8, he revealed who inspired his soulful take on the song.
“Thank you everyone for your kind words,” he wrote on X Feb. 8. “It was an honor to sing The National Anthem. I wrote the arrangement in a very specific way to honor Whitney Houston- I hope that was heard.”
Charlie—who is currently expecting his first baby with wife Brooke Sansone—also thanked the talented musicians who brought his set to life.
“Thank you to the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the Sainted Choir, the Color of Noize Orchestra, Steve Hackman, and Kenny G for joining me on stage,” he continued. “And thank you Adam Blackstone for writing such a beautiful choir part. I love music so much.”
The 34-year-old’s display of gratitude comes after dominating the field at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. Ahead of the face-off between the New England Patriots and The Seattle Seahawks—who took home the Lombardi Trophy in a 29-13 win—Charlie stepped up to a sleek keyboard to begin the moving rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."
During the powerful performance, the camera panned to NFL players on both teams as they took in the “Attention” hitmaker’s gospel-esque performance.
Also in the opening festivities were “Lift Every Voice and Sing” performer Coco Jones and Brandi Carlile, who joined in with “America the Beautiful.”
But not everyone was confident in Charlie’s ability to measure up to the late “I Will Always Love You” singer, which may have motivated him to pay tribute to her legacy.
Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation
After all, ahead of the Grammy winner’s appearance, some critics questioned the choice, with one social media user writing in December, "Man we’ve fallen from when Whitney Houston sang at the Super Bowl. Charlie Puth? He’s not gonna give us vocals I’m afraid."
But the composer took the skepticism in stride, responding to the user directly to say, “I’ll never claim to be as good of a singer as Whitney Houston ever was. But I assure you we’re putting a really special arrangement together—in D major. It’ll be one of my best vocal performances.”
But Charlie wasn’t the only star in attendance at the 2026 Super Bowl. For all the celeb sightings at this year’s big game, read on…
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation
Jessica Alba, Pedro Pascal, Karol G, Young Miko, David Grutman, Cardi B and Alix Earle
After snapping pics backstage, several celebs joined Halftime Show performer Bad Bunny at Levi's Stadium, making cameos onstage to dance to his song "Yo Perreo Sola."
CHRIS TORRES/EPA/Shutterstock
Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga
Bad Bunny captivated the crowd for the Super Bowl 2026 Halftime Show with a surprise appearance from Lady Gaga.
Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images
Jay-Z, Blue Ivy Carter and Rumi Carter
Jay-Z brought his and Beyoncé's daughters—age 14 and 8—to the 2026 Super Bowl in Santa Clara, Calif.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Travis Scott
The rapper snapped pics ahead of the big game between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.
The Daily Stardust/ D. Sanchez / BACKGRID
Rosé
The Blackpink singer was repping Levi's while getting a ride into the stadium.
The Daily Stardust/ D. Sanchez / BACKGRID
Zac Efron
Looks like he indeed had his head in the game.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
MGK
The rapper had his playlist on lock for the NFL championship.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Eiza Gonzalez
The Baby Driver actress was calm, cool and collected while watching the action unfold.
The Daily Stardust/ D. Sanchez / BACKGRID
Leonardo DiCaprio
The Titanic star made a lowkey entrance into Levi's Stadium.
The Daily Stardust/ D. Sanchez / BACKGRID
Barbara Palvin & Dylan Sprouse
The couple had a winning date night at the 2026 Super Bowl with matching 'fits.
The Daily Stardust/ D. Sanchez / BACKGRID
Orlando Bloom
The actor—who split with Katy Perry last year—kept it casual in all-black for the California event.
The Daily Stardust/ D. Sanchez / BACKGRID
Alix Earle
The Dancing With the Stars alum—who sparked romance rumors with Tom Brady over New Year's—sported a leather crop top and jeans for her game day 'fit.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Jon Bon Jovi
The longtime Patriots fan attended the game to introduce his fav NFL team before kickoff.
Chris Graythen/Getty Images
Chris Pratt
The Marvel star—who was on hand to officically introduce the Seattle Seahawks—turned the day into a father-son outing.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation
Travis Kelce
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end—who is engaged to Taylor Swift—didn't make the finals this year, but still showed his support from the sidelines.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Becky G and Kehlani
The singers were all smiles from their suite.
X
Robert Irwin
From Down Under to the Bay Area! The Dancing With the Stars winner has sashayed into San Francisco.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
J Balvin
The Latin Grammy winner completed his game day look with a black beret and shades.
Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images
Brian Baumgartner
Now, the Office actor just needs some of his famous chili to level up his Super Bowl experience.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Ty Dolla Sign and Flavor Flav
The musicians had their eye on the ball while watching withLive Nation Entertainment CEO Michael Rapino.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation
Rob Lowe and Marcus Allen
The pair celebrated at the Super Bowl LX Pregame at Levi's Stadium.
Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
Peyton Manning and Tom Brady
The football legends—clad in NFL bomber jackets—greeted fans at Levi's Stadium.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Sebastian Lletget, Kaytranada and Kehlani
The trio shared a suite at Levi's Stadium.
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Roger Federer
The tennis champ showed up to support a different sport this time.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Logan Paul
The influencer and WWE star was spotted in the stands.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
Emile Hirsch
The Into the Wild star kept his eye on the end zone.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
English (US) ·