NFL fans are calling for a Super Bowl boycott after it was revealed the ‘black national anthem’ will be performed ahead of this weekend’s big game in New Orleans.
‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ is traditionally sung during the pregame festivities at the NFL’s end-of-season showpiece, but has sparked huge controversy in recent years.
The league has confirmed that Grammy Award-winning singer Ledisi will perform the song – in front of President Donald Trump – shortly before Jon Batiste’s rendition of the national anthem on Sunday, leading to a huge fan backlash online.
Some even suggested they would not be watching the game because of the black national anthem revelation, with one writing: ‘As if we needed another reason to not watch the damn game.’
Another added: ‘No other sports league tries to force a “Black National Anthem” down peoples’ throats.’
A third posted: ‘I haven’t watched football ever since they started disrespecting the National Anthem. And there is no such thing as a Black National Anthem.’
Ledisi will perform the Black national anthem ahead of the Super Bowl in New Orleans Sunday
Andra Day performed ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ at the Super Bowl in Vegas last season
Trump confirmed on Tuesday that he will be in attendance at the Superdome in New Orleans this weekend, becoming the first sitting President ever to attend the Super Bowl.
The NFL has long been a vehicle for political debate, from 49ers star Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem back in 2016, to players doing ‘the Trump dance’ during the 2024 election campaign.
At Super Bowl LVII in 2023, Republican politician and long-time Trump loyalist Kari Lake made headlines when she refused to stand for the black anthem.
On social media after the game, she wrote: ‘I’m just here for THE National Anthem.’
It remains to be seen how Trump responds to this year’s performance of the song, when he attends the Eagles-Chiefs showdown in New Orleans on Sunday.
‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ was originally written in 1899 by James Weldon Johnson, and was first a poem before it was transformed into a song.
Donald Trump is set to become the first sitting President to ever attend the Super Bowl
Kari Lake was spotted refusing to stand as the black national anthem was played back in 2023
At last year’s Super Bowl, Andra Day performed the song – and she too was met by considerable backlash from MAGA supporters and Republicans.
Florida representative Matt Gaetz (R) tweeted out an exchange he had with his wife saying that he would not be watching the show because, ‘They’re desecrating America’s National Anthem by playing something called the “Black National Anthem.”‘
Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly wrote: ‘The so-called Black National Anthem does not belong at the Super Bowl. We already have a National Anthem and it includes EVERYONE.’
Others, meanwhile, backed Day’s performance, with New York representative Ritchie Torres – a Democrat – writing: ‘The Black National Anthem – “Lift Every Voice and Sing” – has been a part of our Nation’s history since the early 20th century. The erasure of African American history as American history is a form of racism that runs deep on the far right.’
There has also been controversy in recent days over the traditional American national anthem – The Star-Spangled Banner.
On Saturday night, Canadian hockey fans of the Ottawa Senators booed the anthem, just hours after Trump hit Canada with tariffs.
Boos and jeers were heard throughout the rendition that was performed by the Ottawa-based singer Mandia at a sold out arena with nearly 20,000 spectators.
The Caesars Superdome will host Trump, Taylor Swift and a host of huge stars on Sunday
On the field, Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts will battle it out for the Lombardi Trophy
It came after President Trump ordered 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports and 10% on goods from China starting on Tuesday, sparking major trade war fears.
Trump declared that they would remain in place until a national emergency over the drug fentanyl and illegal immigration to the U.S. ends. Canada retaliated on Saturday night with 25% tariffs against $155 billion of U.S. goods.
On Monday, Trump agreed to a 30-day pause on his threats against Mexico and Canada, after a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
‘I am very pleased with this initial outcome, and the Tariffs announced on Saturday will be paused for a 30 day period to see whether or not a final Economic deal with Canada can be structured,’ Trump posted on social media. ‘FAIRNESS FOR ALL!’
