When “American Idol” alum and two-time Grammy winner Lauren Daigle performs “America the Beautiful” at Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, she hopes her rendition gets fans up on their feet.
Daigle, 33, has worked with fellow Louisiana native Trombone Shorty to create a new version of “America the Beautiful.” With help from their musical director, the result reflects their state’s unique musical heritage by blending zydeco, jazz and brass, told USA Today. She said they’re hoping the unique “rhythmic” version “will make you want to dance.”
An estimated 119 million people will be watching around the globe, per US News and World Report. Meanwhile, approximately 76,000 ticketholders will be right there with Daigle in Caesars Superdome, per Newsweek. But the “Thank God I Do” singer is not worried about nerves taking over.
“With that many people in the room you just get overtaken by the unity and joy,” Daigle told USA Today. “My nerves usually fall by the wayside because the moment becomes bigger than you. I’m excited to get to be part of energy.”
Daigle told Entertainment Tonight that her outfit was chosen in order to represent the “artisans” of New Orleans, with pieces from St. Claude Social Club. She said that she wanted to “represent their creativity, their artistry in fashion, in food, in music — I love being able to celebrate that.”
Lauren Daigle Says Whitney Houston’s Version of ‘America the Beautiful’ is ‘Untouchable’
Daigle, who competed on the ninth season of “American Idol” but was cut just before the Top 24 was announced. She has since become a hitmaker in Contemporary Christian and Pop music. Daigle has returned to “Idol” multiple times, including singing twice with finalist Megan Danielle in 2023.
When Daigle and Trombone Shorty perform at the Super Bowl, they’ll follow the singing of the national anthem by her longtime friend Jon Batiste and Ledisi’s delivery of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Batiste and Ledisi are also Louisiana natives.
Daigle did tell USA Today that she can’t compete with her favorite Super Bowl performances.
“Obviously the queen, Whitney Houston,” she said of the pop singer’s 1991 “America the Beautiful” rendition. “It’s undeniable. It’s untouchable. It’s so obvious all the hard work she put in for years. I love that performance so much.”
“And Chris Stapleton (who did the national anthem in 2023),” she added. “His version I loved. I loved that he used his guitar and brought a true grassroots feel and added that little run in the middle.”
Lauren Daigle Says Carrie Underwood’s Inauguration Performance of ‘American the Beautiful’ Was ‘Stunning’
USA Today asked Daigle for her opinion on new “Idol” judge Carrie Underwood’s January 20 performance of “America the Beautiful” at President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
“Oh my gosh, it was so stunning,” Daigle told the paper. “I was so proud of her. She showed the prowess of working at your craft for a long time. Honoring our nation in the way she did, regardless of political party, everyone could agree it was a standout moment for her.”
After several moments of awkward silence when Underwood’s background music didn’t play during the inauguration ceremony, the country superstar opted to sing the tune acapella.
“You could tell there was a technical difficulty and instead of letting the nerves take over, she took it on and she sang beautifully,” Daigle said. “It shows the younger generation who looks up to her that these moments happen to all of us and it’s what you make of them that matters.”
Game officials say Daigle and Trombone Shorty’s “America the Beautiful” will be performed before the Super Bowl’s 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time kickoff, per Reuters. They’ll perform after Batiste and Ledisi deliver their songs.
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‘Idol’ Alum Lauren Daigle Singing ‘Rhythmic’ Version of ‘America the Beautiful’ at Super Bowl