NFL fans are in an uproar over the announcement that the “black national anthem” will be performed at this weekend’s Super Bowl in New Orleans.
The song, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” has long been part of pregame activities in the NFL’s season finale, but its inclusion has sparked heated debate in recent years.
The league has confirmed that Ledisi, a Grammy-winning artist, will deliver her version of the song shortly before Jon Batiste performs the traditional U.S. national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” on Sunday.
The decision has incited an avalanche of online criticism, with many fans vowing to boycott the game.
The ‘Black National Anthem’ performed at the Super Bowl tonight.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) February 12, 2024
One fan angrily posted, “As if we needed another reason to not watch the damn game.” Another commented, “No other sports league tries to force a ‘Black National Anthem’ down peoples’ throats.”
At last year’s big game, singer Andra Day performed the song and faced a comparable backlash.
Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly was among those criticizing its appearance, stating, “The so-called Black National Anthem does not belong at the Super Bowl. We already have a National Anthem and it includes EVERYONE.”
Boos for the US anthem, cheers for the singer. pic.twitter.com/sq23aRGMvJ
— Clay Imoo (@CanuckClay) February 3, 2025
Meanwhile, controversy surrounding the actual American national anthem has surfaced in recent days.
On Saturday night, fans of the Ottawa Senators voiced their displeasure by booing during a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” just after President Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian goods.
The anthem, performed by singer Mandia, was met with audible jeers, and hours later, hockey fans at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena remained silent during “The Star-Spangled Banner” while displaying their discontent with “O Canada,” performed by Luke Bryan.
It didn’t sit well with Predators head coach Andrew Brunette, who is Canadian, as he expressed his disappointment in the crowd’s behavior.
“I don’t like it. I don’t think we should boo either anthem either way,” Brunette remarked. “The NHL has been around 100 years, and the U.S. and Canada both share this game. I don’t really think there’s a place to be booing the anthem.”
Star right wing, Jonathan Marchessault, who is a native of Quebec, agreed with his coach’s sentiment.
Jonathan Marchessault, who is from Canada, on the recent booing of the national anthems – first in Canada, then tonight at Bridgestone Arena.
Really great response from him. Excellent perspective. pic.twitter.com/ZpQYCZHylB
— Alex Daugherty (@AlexDaugherty1) February 4, 2025
“I don’t think it should be said for any anthems,” Marchessault said to reporters. “Honestly, the anthem is not made for political views. It’s made for respecting the veterans in both countries and I think that’s something that everybody.”
“I think at the end of the day we’re respecting the veterans and people that live in our countries. It’s bigger than just trying to give a shout to the other country,” he added.
The boos coincided with rising tensions between the U.S. and Canada after President Trump slapped a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports and imposed a 10% charge on goods from China.
Canada retaliated swiftly with 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods, heightening fears of an escalating trade war.
However, by Monday, Trump agreed to delay additional tariffs on Mexico and Canada for 30 days after coming to an agreement with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
"We've been told tariffs don't work and that Trump's trade wars are reckless. Well, so far, every country that's been threatened bent the knee, and we haven't conceded a thing."@JesseBWatters reacts to President Trump agreeing to pause tariffs on Canada in exchange for stronger… pic.twitter.com/t1KxxsbcUy
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 4, 2025
Trump shared news of the progress on social media and indicated the tariffs would be paused temporarily.
“I am very pleased with this initial outcome, and the Tariffs announced on Saturday will be paused for a 30 day period to see whether or not a final Economic deal with Canada can be structured,” he declared online. “FAIRNESS FOR ALL!”
Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau also weighed in via social media. “I just had a good call with President Trump,” he wrote.
“Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan—reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl.”
According to Trudeau, almost 10,000 officers are actively working to secure the border amid intensified trafficking concerns.
“Proposed tariffs will be paused for 30 days while we work together,” he noted. The pause mirrors a similar agreement between the U.S. and Mexico, where Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reached concessions akin to those negotiated with Canada.
In a post on X, Sheinbaum said: “The tariffs are on pause for one month from now.” Sheinbaum noted that Mexico would send 10,000 national guard troops to the border to prevent drug trafficking, while the U.S. committed to halt weapons trafficking to Mexico.
Meanwhile, Trump’s planned 10% tariff on goods imported from China went into effect on Tuesday.