Idina Menzel and John Legend to Sing at Super Bowl XLIX; ASL Interpretation by Treshelle Edmond

Broadway and Frozen star Idina Menzel and singer-songwriter John Legend have been announced as the featured vocalists for the pregame musical performances at Super Bowl XLIX. Menzel will perform the National Anthem, while Legend will sing “America the Beautiful.” Both renditions will be presented alongside an American Sign Language interpretation by actress Treshelle Edmond.

The Super Bowl anthem slot has long been a high-profile moment for performers, and this year continues that tradition. Past artists who have delivered stirring versions of the Star-Spangled Banner include Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, Neil Diamond, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and Jordin Sparks. This lineup reflects the enduring cultural importance of the Super Bowl anthem performance, which reaches millions of viewers and often becomes a defining live TV moment for the artists involved.

Idina Menzel is widely recognized for her work on Broadway and her voice role in the animated film Frozen. Her selection to sing the National Anthem at Super Bowl XLIX places her among a prestigious group of vocalists who have carried the weight of the stadium and national audience to deliver a memorable interpretation of the song.

John Legend, who recently earned a Golden Globe win and an Oscar nomination for the song “Glory” from the film Selma, will perform “America the Beautiful.” Legend’s soulful approach and acclaimed status as a singer-songwriter make him a natural choice for this patriotic showcase. His recent honors underscore the momentum he brings into the Super Bowl performance.

Treshelle Edmond will interpret both the National Anthem and “America the Beautiful” in American Sign Language, ensuring that the pregame musical program is accessible to viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing. The inclusion of ASL interpretation at such a widely watched event highlights ongoing efforts to make major live broadcasts more inclusive for all audiences.

Super Bowl XLIX will take place on Sunday, February 1, at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona. The game and the associated pregame events will air live on NBC, giving viewers across the country the opportunity to watch the anthem performances, the ceremonial moments and the matchup on the field. The Super Bowl broadcast remains one of the most-watched television events each year, and the choice of performers for the National Anthem and “America the Beautiful” is always a topic of public interest and media coverage.

Alongside the anthem performers, the Super Bowl halftime show will feature pop star Katy Perry with a guest appearance by Lenny Kravitz. The halftime performance is one of the most discussed elements of the Super Bowl broadcast and typically draws attention for its staging, choreography and guest collaborations. This year’s halftime lineup promises a pop-driven spectacle that will follow the pregame musical tributes.

For artists like Idina Menzel and John Legend, performing at the Super Bowl offers a unique platform—an opportunity to present a live musical moment on one of the largest stages in entertainment. Their involvement connects contemporary pop and Broadway sensibilities with a longstanding national ritual of music, ceremony and sports.

As fans prepare for Super Bowl XLIX, anticipation for the musical elements of the broadcast—the National Anthem, “America the Beautiful,” ASL interpretation, and the halftime show—adds to the excitement surrounding the game itself. Whether viewers tune in for the matchup, the commercials, the halftime show, or the pregame performances, this year’s roster of artists ensures the event will offer memorable musical moments alongside the on-field competition.