The singer set to perform the black national anthem at this weekend’s Super Bowl became visibly emotional when discussing her pride in the controversial song.

Football fans have been calling for ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’, which is traditionally sung during the pregame festivities at the NFL’s end-of-season showpiece, to be boycotted this weekend. 

American singer and songwriter Ledisi will be performing the controversial anthem in New Orleans, where president Donald Trump will be watching on. 

And amid the uproar over the song, Ledisi fought back the tears after admitting she is ‘overwhelmed’ at a press conference just days out from the Super Bowl. 

‘I think I’m choked up the whole time, even [from] the phone call. It starts there,’ she later added.

American singer Ledisi is performing the black national anthem at the Super Bowl this weekend

‘But I’m used to this in my career, standing in moments, representing the past and the future and the current state of the world, I’m used to that pressure.

‘I just remember who I’m doing it for. I remember my ancestors, I remember everyone waiting for this moment to feel hopeful and to feel represented.

‘So yeah, I do get choked up. I’m choked up the whole time. But I have a job to do.’