{"id":792683,"date":"2019-02-03T16:45:26","date_gmt":"2019-02-03T23:45:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rollingstone.com\/?p=789296"},"modified":"2019-02-03T16:45:26","modified_gmt":"2019-02-03T23:45:26","slug":"super-bowl-liii-watch-gladys-knight-belt-soulful-rendition-of-national-anthem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/ksmt\/music-news\/super-bowl-liii-watch-gladys-knight-belt-soulful-rendition-of-national-anthem\/","title":{"rendered":"Super Bowl LIII: Watch Gladys Knight Belt Soulful Rendition of National Anthem"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Gladys Knight<\/a> performed a powerful rendition of the National Anthem<\/a> ahead of Super Bowl LIII<\/a> Sunday night in her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia.<\/p>\n

Alongside members of the military, Knight initiated the performance with delicate vocals, but she clenched her fist as she belted out the final verses of the anthem. The set also featured\u00a0performance artist and deaf activist Aarron\u00a0Loggins, who signed the anthem in honor of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD).<\/p>\n

The \u201cEmpress of Soul\u2019s\u201d appearance follows the footsteps of artists including Cher, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Billy Joel and P!nk\u00a0who performed last year.<\/a><\/p>\n

Ahead of her performance, Knight \u2014 who is best known for hits including \u00a0\u201cMidnight Train\u00a0to Georgia\u201d and \u201cThat\u2019s What Friends Are For\u201d \u2014 said she was \u201cproud\u201d to be chosen to sing \u201cThe Star-Spangled Banner\u201d at this year\u2019s event despite controversy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am proud to use my voice to unite and represent our country in my hometown of Atlanta,\u201d she said in a statement. \u201cThe NFL recently announced their new social justice platform Inspire Change, and I am honored to be a part of its inaugural year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Knight\u2019s decision to perform was contentious since many artists, such as\u00a0Rihanna<\/a> and Cardi B,<\/a> boycotted events related to the Super Bowl this year in support of Colin Kaepernick.<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand that Mr. Kaepernick is protesting two things, and they are police violence and injustice,\u201d Knight said of her choice in a statement to Variety<\/em>.<\/a> \u201cIt is unfortunate that our National Anthem has been dragged into this debate when the distinctive senses of the National Anthem and fighting for justice should each stand alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am here today and on Sunday, February 3rd to give the anthem back its voice, to stand for that historic choice of words, the way it unites us when we hear it and to free it from the same prejudices and struggles I have fought long and hard for all my life,\u201d she continued. \u201cFrom walking back hallways, from marching with our social leaders, from using my voice for good \u2014 I have been in the forefront of this battle longer than most of those voicing their opinions to win the right to sing our country\u2019s anthem on a stage as large as the Super Bowl LIII.\u201d<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s pre-game set<\/a> also featured a powerful performance of \u201cAmerica the Beautiful\u201d by Grammy-nominated R&B duo Chloe x Halle.<\/a> Last year\u00a0Hamilton<\/em> star Leslie Odom Jr. delivered the song at the game.<\/p>\n

Joining Knight in representing her hometown is Big Boi, alongside Maroon 5 and Travis Scott<\/a>, who will perform during this year\u2019s halftime show.<\/p>\n