Super Bowl 60 kicked off with a memorable national anthem performance that had viewers talking before kickoff even began.
Singer-songwriter Charlie Puth delivered a soulful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” that clocked in at 1 minute and 56 seconds—slightly faster than typical Super Bowl performances.
Seated at a Rhodes electric piano in blue jeans, Puth brought his signature smooth falsetto to one of sports’ biggest stages, backed by a choir and horn section.
But who exactly is this artist trusted with such a high-profile moment?
From YouTube Covers to Super Bowl Stardom
Charlie Puth didn’t start his career under bright stadium lights. At 34 years old, Puth is a four-time Grammy-nominated artist who built his following the modern way: uploading song covers to YouTube.
That grassroots approach eventually landed him opportunities that transformed his career trajectory entirely.
His breakthrough came in 2015 with “See You Again,” featuring Wiz Khalifa, from the “Furious 7” soundtrack. Written as a tribute to actor Paul Walker, Puth drew from deeply personal experience when crafting those emotional lyrics.
Puth wrote the song about his friend who passed away around the same time as Walker—a connection that gave authenticity to every note.
Chart-Topping Success Built on Catchy Hooks
Puth has topped pop charts multiple times throughout his career, thanks to infectious melodies delivered in his distinctive smooth falsetto.
His catalog showcases versatility while maintaining recognizable vocal style.
Beyond “See You Again,” Puth’s notable tracks include:
- “One Call Away” – A romantic promise wrapped in pop perfection
- “Attention” – A breakup anthem that dominated radio airwaves
- “We Don’t Talk Anymore” – Collaboration that explored post-relationship dynamics
- “Left and Right” – Showcasing continued evolution as an artist
Each song demonstrates Puth’s ability to craft earworms that stick with listeners long after first listen.
A Deliberate Performance Style
Puth’s national anthem delivery felt slow and deliberate, creating emotional weight with each phrase. Yet timing revealed something interesting: his 1 minute, 56 second performance actually came in slightly faster than average Super Bowl anthem renditions.
That balance between perceived slowness and actual efficiency speaks to Puth’s musicianship—creating space without overstaying welcome.
Choosing to sit at an electric piano rather than stand center stage added intimacy to massive stadium setting. Backed by choir and horn section, Puth transformed traditional anthem into something feeling both classic and contemporary.
New Music on Horizon
Puth’s Super Bowl appearance comes at strategic moment in his career. His fourth studio album, titled “Whatever’s Clever!“, releases March 6—just weeks after this high-profile performance.
Timing suggests calculated move to maximize exposure before new material drops.
For artist who built career uploading covers to YouTube, performing national anthem at Super Bowl 60 represents full-circle moment—validation of years spent honing craft and connecting with audiences.
Part of Larger Pre-Game Celebration
Puth’s anthem wasn’t only musical highlight before kickoff. Green Day opened Super Bowl 60 with ceremony honoring six decades of NFL history, welcoming past Super Bowl MVPs onto field.
Following Puth’s performance, Brandi Carlile and Coco Jones took stage to perform “America the Beautiful” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” respectively.
This trio of performances created comprehensive pre-game show celebrating American music across genres—from pop to country to soul.
Why National Anthem Performances Matter
Super Bowl anthem slots are coveted opportunities that can define careers or cement legacies. Tens of millions watch these brief performances, creating pressure few other musical moments match.
Artists must balance respecting tradition while injecting personal style—walk tightrope between innovation and expectation.
Puth’s seated, piano-driven approach offered refreshing alternative to typical standing-and-belting format. His smooth falsetto brought different texture than powerhouse vocalists who typically tackle anthem.
That willingness to approach familiar song from unexpected angle demonstrates artistic confidence—exactly what Super Bowl organizers want when selecting performers.
Looking Ahead
With fourth album dropping next month and Super Bowl exposure fresh in public consciousness, Puth enters new career chapter from position of strength.
His journey from YouTube covers to football’s biggest stage illustrates modern music industry reality: talent combined with strategic platform building can create opportunities previous generations never imagined.
Whether “Whatever’s Clever!” produces next “See You Again”-level hit remains uncertain. But Puth’s Super Bowl moment ensured millions will be paying attention when new music arrives.