Brandi Carlile Stuns Super Bowl LX with Soulful "America the Beautiful" Ahead of Seahawks-Patriots Rematch

By Vasco Faduma – SANTA CLARA, Calif. — February 8, 2026

Before the coin was tossed and the opening kickoff soared into the California sky, the Super Bowl LX festivities paused for a moment of profound musical reflection. On a stage that often prioritizes spectacle over subtlety, singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile delivered a breathtaking, stripped-back rendition of “America the Beautiful” that brought Levi’s Stadium to a hushed reverence.

Performing just minutes before the highly anticipated rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, the 9-time Grammy winner’s appearance was more than just a patriotic formality—it was a personal triumph for the Washington native and lifelong Seahawks fan.

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A Voice for the Moment

Dressed in a tailored suit that nodded to classic Americana style, Carlile took her place at center field, accompanied only by a cellist and her own acoustic guitar. In an era where pre-game performances often feature pre-recorded backing tracks and massive pyrotechnics, Carlile’s choice to perform live and largely unplugged was a bold statement of artistry.

Her rendition of the 1910 classic began with a whisper, her signature vibrato coloring the opening lines “O beautiful for spacious skies.” As the song progressed, however, Carlile unleashed the vocal power that has made her one of the most respected voices in modern music. By the time she reached the climactic “From sea to shining sea,” her voice filled the 68,000-seat stadium, cracking with the raw emotion that has become her trademark.

The performance avoided the vocal gymnastics often associated with Super Bowl anthems, opting instead for a storytelling approach that highlighted the lyrics’ plea for brotherhood and grace. It was a grounding moment amidst the fighter jet flyovers and the frenzy of the year’s biggest sporting event.

The “12th Fan” on the World’s Biggest Stage

For Carlile, the performance carried extra weight due to the teams lining the sidelines. Born in Ravensdale, Washington, Carlile has been a vocal supporter of the Seattle Seahawks for decades. She was famously the designated “flag raiser” at Lumen Field for the Seahawks in previous seasons, a ceremonial honor reserved for local icons.

To sing “America the Beautiful” at a Super Bowl featuring her home team—a rematch of the heartbreaking Super Bowl XLIX loss to the Patriots—added a layer of narrative tension to the moment.

“I’m trying to stay neutral for the song,” Carlile joked in a pre-game interview with NBC. “But once I hit that final note, the jersey is coming on. To be here, representing the Pacific Northwest and American music, is the honor of a lifetime.”

As the camera panned to the Seahawks sideline during her performance, veteran players and coaches appeared visibly moved, acknowledging their hometown hero.

A Career-Defining Year

The Super Bowl appearance caps off a whirlwind 12 months for Carlile. Following the release of her latest acclaimed album and a sold-out stadium tour with her band, she has solidified her transition from indie darling to mainstream powerhouse.

Her selection for “America the Beautiful” places her in an elite club of artists who have performed the song at the Super Bowl, a list that includes Ray Charles, Mary J. Blige, and H.E.R. However, Carlile’s version will likely be remembered for its intimacy. In a stadium designed for noise, she commanded silence.

Social Media Reaction

The reaction online was instantaneous. “Brandi Carlile just gave everyone goosebumps. That is how you sing that song,” tweeted country star Maren Morris.

Even fans of the opposing New England Patriots tipped their caps. “I want the Pats to crush them, but I can’t hate on that performance. Brandi Carlile is a national treasure,” read a top comment on the NFL’s official Instagram post.

The phrase “Brandi Carlile Voice” began trending on X (formerly Twitter) within minutes, with music critics praising her pitch-perfect delivery and emotional resonance.

Setting the Stage for the Rematch

Carlile’s performance served as the perfect prelude to the high-stakes atmosphere of Super Bowl LX. The game, a clash between the defensive grit of the Seahawks and the offensive machinery of the Patriots, has been billed as the “Redemption Bowl” for Seattle fans still haunted by the goal-line interception of 2015.

As Carlile struck her final chord, the tension in the building shifted from reflective to electric. The gentle strum of her guitar was quickly replaced by the roar of the crowd and the thud of pads as the teams took the field.

For three minutes, however, rivalries were set aside. Brandi Carlile, the girl from Washington state with the big voice and the bigger heart, reminded millions of viewers of the “brotherhood” mentioned in the song’s second verse. It was a moment of unity before the battle, delivered by an artist who knows exactly how to make a song her own.

What’s Next for Brandi?

Following her Super Bowl appearance, Carlile is set to embark on a European tour later this spring. Industry experts predict a significant bump in her streaming numbers following the global exposure, a phenomenon known as the “Super Bowl Bounce.”

But for tonight, she is just a fan in the stands, likely trading her performance suit for a Seahawks jersey, screaming for a victory that would make the day truly perfect.

Key Takeaways:

The Artist: Singer-songwriter and Washington native Brandi Carlile.
The Song: “America the Beautiful.”
The Event: Super Bowl LX (60) on February 8, 2026.
The Matchup: Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots.
The Vibe: A soulful, stripped-back acoustic performance that drew praise for its emotional depth and vocal power.