As Super Bowl LX kicked off on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, pregame ceremonies opened with Charlie Puth performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before a global audience. The Grammy-nominated singer delivered a stripped-down, piano-led rendition backed by a choir, opting for clarity and restraint over dramatic vocal flourishes.
Many viewers praised the performance as emotional, respectful, and technically precise, with fans applauding its simplicity and control. However, soon after the broadcast, debate erupted online over whether the anthem was sung fully live or partially pre-recorded. Some viewers claimed the vocals sounded “too perfect,” fueling speculation about lip-syncing or backing tracks.
Industry experts note that Super Bowl anthem performances often blend live vocals with prerecorded elements to account for stadium acoustics and broadcast demands. While opinions remain divided, Puth’s performance became one of the night’s most talked-about moments, underscoring the enduring scrutiny surrounding national anthem performances on football’s biggest stage.
