The NFL has confirmed that the Black national anthem will be performed as planned ahead of this weekend’s Super Bowl in New Orleans.

‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ is traditionally sung during the pregame festivities at the NFL’s big game, but has sparked huge controversy in recent years.

At Super Bowl LVII in 2023, Republican politician and long-time Donald 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.’

Despite more backlash in 2024, the NFL have confirmed that the song will be sung before the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

This year, the anthem will be performed by Grammy Award-winning artist Ledisi shortly before Jon Batiste performs the 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

‘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. 

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 Stat-Spangled Banner.

On Saturday night, Canadian hockey fans of the Ottawa Senators booed the anthem, just hours after Donald 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.

Kari Lake was spotted refusing to stand as the black national anthem was played back in 2023

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!’