Brandi Carlile’s Commitment to Authenticity
As the Super Bowl approaches, singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile is poised to take the stage and perform “America the Beautiful” with an unwavering commitment to authenticity. The multi-Grammy award winner, in a recent interview, expressed her determination to sing live, without relying on any prerecorded elements. She believes that audiences deserve a genuine performance, paralleling the bravery they exhibit in their daily lives.
“The people deserve to have you live,”
Carlile asserted, indicating her desire to share the same vulnerability that attendees embrace when they step out into the world.
Collaborations and Challenges
Carlile will be joined by fellow artists Charlie Puth and Coco Jones for the pregame festivities, each bringing their own approach to this high-stakes performance. Carlile, who has experience performing in significant outdoor venues like Elton John’s farewell concert at Dodger Stadium in 2022, emphasized the unique challenges posed by stadium acoustics. She noted that the sound can create a noticeable delay, impacting how artists hear their own voices during live performances.
A Spiritual Approach to Performance
In reflecting on her preparations, Carlile noted a shift towards a more spiritual approach for this particular performance.
“I want to sing that song as more of a prayer than a boast,”
she stated, highlighting her intention to make her performance meaningful rather than just technically flawless.
The Dynamics of Live Performances
The dynamics of live performances at large events like the Super Bowl present a balancing act for artists, often requiring a mix of live vocals and pre-recorded tracks to manage sound quality amid the complications of stadium acoustics and broadcast timing. This method isn’t new — it was famously utilized during Whitney Houston’s memorable rendition of the national anthem in 1991. Similarly, many modern performers, including Katy Perry during halftime shows, regularly incorporate a blend of live and backing tracks to ensure consistency.
Individual Approaches to Preparation
Coco Jones, set to perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” opted for a disciplined approach in her preparations. She emphasizes the importance of practice and understanding the emotion behind the lyrics. With previous performances at stadiums under her belt, Jones knows that while the scale may amplify the pressure, it doesn’t alter her fundamental strategy. She acknowledged the value of guidance from industry veteran Alicia Keys, who advised her to stay present and connect with the moment rather than be consumed by nerves.
Charlie Puth, expected to sing the national anthem, adopts a producer’s mindset, informed by his extensive experience in music production.
“There’s not one stadium that sounds alike,”
he remarked, stressing the uniqueness of each venue’s acoustics, and he recognizes the need to balance power with restraint while performing such a highly scrutinized song. He aims to stay focused on the music, warning that losing that focus can compromise the quality of the performance.
A Turning Point for Brandi Carlile
With all three artists preparing for the spotlight, the Super Bowl also marks a significant turning point for Carlile, who is set to launch her first solo arena tour next week, a venture she acknowledges is both thrilling and daunting.
“It’ll be the scariest thing I do this year,”
Carlile reflected, viewing the Super Bowl stage as an unparalleled preparation for what’s ahead. She aspires to inspire audiences with all three performances, underscoring the necessity of embracing risk in artistry.
“You have to wake up and take a risk with yourself. That’s what makes performance beautiful.”
