
Gladys Knight
Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images
Gladys Knight & Chloe x Halle Open Super Bowl 2019
The Empress Of Soul Gladys Knight opened Super Bowl 2019 in her hometown of Atlanta with a powerful rendition of the National Anthem.
The seven-time GRAMMY winner had previously noted that she "pray[ed] that this National Anthem will bring us all together in a way never before witnessed... and we can move forward and untangle these truths which mean so much to all of us."
She also noted last month that, "I am here today and on Sunday, Feb. 3 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."
Knight's statement, which was released last month upon announcing her plans to sing the Anthem, touched on the current division this year's Super Bowl and the NFL in general has had in the music community. The NFL reportedly had a tough time booking its halftime talent this year due to the controversy surrounding former 49ers backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
The Super Bowl kickoff also featured first-time GRAMMY nominees Chloe x Halle, who sang a stunning duet of "America The Beautiful."
Maroon 5 is confirmed to perform at the haltime show with special guests Big Boi and Travis Scott.
Gladys Knight Will Sing Super Bowl National Anthem To "Bring Us All Together"