“I would much rather hear Alicia Keys sing ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’, the real National Anthem of the United States of America,” posted Tammi Davis on the same site. Social Media Had a Love/Hate Reaction to ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ at Super Bowl “This performance by alicia of this traditional song was awesome i loved it,” posted John Dwyer6 on a YouTube channel that showed the video.īut not everyone was inspired by the words or the songstress. “The performance of ‘Life Every Voice” had me in tears,” tweeted Charlene Norris. “Maybe some of our brothers & sisters would still be alive.” “I just wish the would have paid attention when was peacefully calling attention to these injustice,” tweeted TenishaTaylorMade. Some said they had no problem with the song but didn’t feel a sporting event was the appropriate venue. Others were incensed, calling it another example of divisiveness among the races.
#Nfl national anthem super bowl professional#
Some were overjoyed that the anthem that means so much to them has found a place in national professional sports.
In fact, the lyrics, written by novelist and NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson, comprise the official song for the civil rights organization.īut Sunday’s previously recorded performance by Keys elicited mixed emotions from viewers. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” has long been a staple at Black gatherings such as church events and social empowerment meetings. Many casual NFL fans were surprised to hear Grammy winner Alicia Keys singing the Black national anthem before the Super Bowl LV game.