Trio of Anthems from Chris Stapleton, Babyface and Sheryl Lee Ralph Opens Super Bowl LVII

Country singer Chris Stapleton started Super Bowl LVII with a heartfelt performing the Stars and Stripes — but one anthem this year was not enough before the start of the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Playing a pink guitar emblazoned with the American flag, rhythm and blues legend Babyface sang the melodic song “America the Beautiful” while Abbot Elementary star Sheryl Lee Ralph sang what was dubbed the black national anthem in a stunning bright red pantsuit. Lift. Every Voice and Sing.”

Stapleton, who has dominated country music awards in recent years, played and sang the national anthem dressed all in black and wearing sunglasses.

He was joined by Oscar-winning “Codes” actor Troy Kotzur, who performed the national anthem in American Sign Language.

Colin Denny signed “America the Beautiful” and “Raise Your Voice and Sing” was signed by Justina Miles.

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The length of the national anthem has become one of the countless game elements that you can bet on.

Bookmakers bet over-under on the Stars and Stripes, a 44-year-old player in 2 minutes 5 seconds.

He showed just under 2 minutes 2 seconds.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni and starting center Jason Kelsey had tears in their eyes during the performance.

Stapleton, an eight-time Grammy Award winner, is considered one of the country’s most respected and beloved musicians. Last year, he received three Grammy Awards, and in 2021 he was honored with the Country Music Association’s Best Vocalist of the Year award.

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Babyface, who has won 12 Grammy Awards, has scored several hits in his illustrious career including “Whip Appeal”, “When Can I See You” and “Give U My Heart” with Toni Braxton. He co-founded LaFace Records and has collaborated with a number of big names including Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Ella May and Patti LaBelle.

Ralph received an Emmy Award as the first nominee at the age of 66 last year. She spent decades in the business, playing many iconic roles from Dreamgirls on Broadway in the 1980s to stepmother and main character on the 1990s sitcom Moesha.

During the playing of the anthem, the US Navy held a flyover to commemorate the 50th anniversary of women flying in the service.

Aircraft from three squadrons of tactical aircraft participated in the flyover, and an all-female aviation group of ten took part in the flight.

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Super Bowl LVII kicked off at 6:30 pm ET Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Nine-time Grammy winner Rihanna headlined the show this year.

This story was reported from Detroit. The Associated Press contributed.