Super Bowl 48 Pregame: Opera Star Renee Fleming Sings the National Anthem
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ABC News Radio(EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.) — Renee Fleming made Super Bowl history before the action began at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday. She became the first opera singer to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the big game.
The acclaimed soprano and four-time Grammy winner didn’t disappoint, either; her final notes reached so high that she probably was heard across the river, in New York City.
Fleming wore a black dress with a white shawl wrapped over it, on what was a somewhat-mild evening by New Jersey standards in early February.
Before the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks players were introduced on the field, Queen Latifah was given the honor of performing “America the Beautiful.” She wore a white turtleneck, a blue overcoat and brown gloves for the occasion. She was joined by the New Jersey Youth Chorus.
The singer, actress and daytime talk show host, who hails from New Jersey, previously sang “America the Beautiful” at the 2010 Super Bowl.
Former American Idol winner Phillip Phillips and country trio/siblings The Band Perry provided some of the entertainment during Fox’s extended pregame coverage.
Phillips performed his hit “Gone, Gone, Gone” for the crowd gathered at the Tailgate Party in East Rutherford. He was initially set to debut new music at the event, but he nixed that plan a few days beforehand.
The Band Perry delivered a live rendition of their song “DONE.”
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