Charlie Puth is stepping onto one of music’s biggest stages this Sunday, performing the national anthem before kickoff at Super Bowl LX.
The 34-year-old pop sensation will showcase his vocal prowess before the New England Patriots clash with the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
But here’s something most fans don’t realize: the “Star Spangled Banner” might just be harder to sing than any of Puth’s chart-topping hits.
And Puth himself has admitted exactly why that’s true.
Why the National Anthem Is Surprisingly Difficult to Sing
While Puth has called the national anthem “one of the most beautiful pieces of music,” he’s also been candid about its technical challenges.
In a November social media video discussing his upcoming performance, Puth explained that “The Star Spangled Banner” demands an extreme vocal range that far exceeds most pop songs.
Most songs will have a range of one octave, such as a low D to a high D, the national anthem goes from a low D to a high A.
That’s roughly an octave and a fifth—a demanding span that requires exceptional vocal control and breath support.
It’s no wonder that even seasoned performers approach this particular performance with respect and preparation.
From YouTube Covers to Grammy Nominations
Born in Rumson, New Jersey, Puth discovered his musical gift early, thanks in part to his mother who worked as a music teacher.
But what really set him apart was something incredibly rare: perfect pitch, also known as absolute pitch—the ability to identify or recreate any musical note just by hearing it.
My ten-year-old brain thought, ‘I could just listen to the record and play it back just by hearing it.’ And I thought that was a ‘normal’ thing!
Puth first gained widespread attention by posting YouTube covers, including a rendition of Adele’s “Someone Like You” that caught Ellen DeGeneres’ eye in 2011.
His debut album, “Nine Track Mind,” dropped in 2016, featuring breakout hits that would become cultural touchstones.
More Than Just a Performer
Beyond his own chart success with songs like “See You Again,” “We Don’t Talk Anymore,” and “Attention,” Puth has become a sought-after producer and songwriter for major artists.
His production credits include:
- Justin Bieber and The Kid LAROI’s “Stay”
- Pitbull’s “Celebrate”
- Trey Songz’s “Slow Motion”
- Maroon 5’s “Lips on You”
- Liam Payne’s “Bedroom Floor”
During COVID lockdowns, Puth embraced TikTok as “Professor Puth,” breaking down his songwriting process and sharing musical insights that resonated with millions of aspiring musicians.
How Puth Landed This Prestigious Gig
Since 2019, Super Bowl entertainment presentations have been a collaboration between Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and NFL leadership.
According to Rolling Stone, Puth took matters into his own hands, recording a demo specifically for Super Bowl LX and sending it to Roc Nation co-founder Jay Brown.
I’ve been told this, I don’t know if it’s true, but he played it for Jay-Z and Jay-Z loved it. And it got to [NFL Commissioner Roger] Goodell and they all said that I could do it.
That proactive approach paid off, earning Puth a spot among music’s elite who’ve performed at sports’ biggest event.
Following in Legendary Footsteps
Puth will be the second New Jersey native to perform the national anthem at Super Bowl, following Whitney Houston’s iconic 1991 rendition—widely considered one of history’s greatest anthem performances.
Acknowledging that legacy, Puth told Rolling Stone he plans to draw inspiration from Houston while maintaining realistic expectations.
I’m going to be inspired by what Whitney did, but I can’t ever touch what Whitney did. That’s the best one ever done—that and the Chris Stapleton one.
Recent Super Bowl anthem performers include:
- Jon Batiste (2025)
- Reba McEntire (2024)
- Chris Stapleton (2023)
- Lady Gaga (2016)
- Christina Aguilera (2011)
- Beyoncé (2004)
How Long Will Puth’s Performance Last?
National anthem performances typically run between one and two minutes, though some artists have taken creative liberties.
Alicia Keys holds the record for longest performance at 2 minutes and 36 seconds during Super Bowl XLVII in 2013. Meanwhile, Neil Diamond delivered the shortest version at just 1 minute and 2 seconds during Super Bowl XXI in 1987.
With Puth’s vocal range, technical precision, and respect for musical tradition, fans can expect a performance that honors both athletic excellence and musical artistry this Sunday.