How Charlie Puth Landed the Super Bowl National Anthem
“I’m going to be inspired by what Whitney did, but I can’t ever touch what Whitney did,” he says.
How did Charlie Puth end up with the tough job of singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at this year’s Super Bowl? Despite being a multi-platinum artist with a long list of hits to his name, he decided to send in a demo tape. “I’ve actually always wanted to do this,” Puth says in his new Rolling Stone Interview.
He explains that he proactively reached out to the NFL. “I just emailed them,” he reveals. “I was like, ‘Hey, I know you guys are probably getting a ton of submissions, but I’d love to send over a demo if you’re open to it.’ And they said yes.”
Puth acknowledges the immense pressure that comes with performing the national anthem on such a massive stage, especially following iconic renditions like Whitney Houston’s in 1991. “It’s the super Bowl. It’s not like, a small gig,” he says.“It’s the biggest stage in the world. And I think because of that, there’s a lot of pressure.”
He’s been preparing meticulously, focusing on vocal training and understanding the emotional weight of the song. “I’ve been working with a vocal coach for months,” puth shares.“And I’ve been listening to a lot of different versions of the song, trying to find my own take on it.”
Puth also discusses his new album, The Tragedy of charlie puth, and his collaborations with artists like Taylor Swift. But the Super Bowl performance remains a central focus. He understands he won’t surpass Houston’s legendary performance, but aims to deliver a heartfelt and memorable rendition.
Key Takeaways
- Charlie Puth proactively submitted a demo to the NFL to perform the Super Bowl National Anthem.
- He recognizes the immense pressure and past significance of the performance.
- Puth has been diligently preparing with vocal coaching and studying previous renditions.
- He acknowledges Whitney Houston’s iconic performance as untouchable, aiming for his own unique interpretation.