How Coco Jones Honored Whitney Houston in Super Bowl 2026 Performance

2 hours ago 7

Before the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks took that field at the 2026 Super Bowl Feb. 8, Coco Jones gave a dazzling rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing."

Justin Bieber Reunites With Ludacris at Super Bowl Party 16 Years After “Baby” Duet

Coco Jones kicked off the 2026 Super Bowl with a touchdown homage.

After all, the singer gave a soulful rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" ahead of the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks hitting the field Feb. 8 at Levi's Stadium.

As Coco sang the hymn, often referred to as the Black national anthem, she paid tribute to the late Whitney Houston with her showstopping look. She stepped out in a white, cropped zip-up athletic jacket adorned with a red stripe alongside the chest and her right arm. She paired it with a high-low skirt featuring a billowing peplum addition.

For the 28-year-old, the "I Will Always Love You" singer's tracksuit ensemble at the 1991 Super Bowl while performing the "Star Spangled Banner" was her inspiration, with the help of designer Karl Kani.

"I'm really excited for people to see those resemblances," she told Entertainment Tonight ahead of the game. "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."

The Bel-Air actress—who, along with Green Day, Charlie Puth and Bad Bunny, is one of the evening's entertainers—reflected on her preparations ahead of the major performance.

"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," she shared during Apple Music's press conference Feb. 5. "So really listening to the lyrics, really sitting and feeling what they mean to me and then naturally reacting to that."

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

And the honor isn't lost on her, either.

"I've had some amazing performers precede me and I think realizing that I've been chosen and so I deserve the moment," she added. "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.”

To see all the stars at the 2026 Super Bowl, keep reading.

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.

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.

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.