(Photo Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
In the midst of debate surround Travi$ Scott and Big Boi’s decision to perform the halftime show during Super Bowl LIII, a legendary performer has decided to open up the show with the National Anthem.
The NFL has announced that Gladys Knight will sing the National Anthem before kickoff Sunday, February 3.
“I am proud to use my voice to unite and represent our country in my hometown of Atlanta,” she said. “the NFL recently announced their new social justice platform Inspire Change, and I am honored to be a part of its inaugural year.”
On Friday (Jan. 11), the NFL announced the launch of its Inspire Change initiative, in which players, owners, and the league itself work to ” enact positive change in underserved communities across the country with primary focuses on education and economic advancement, police and community relations, and criminal justice reform.
Today the @NFL announced the #InspireChange initiative, showcasing the collaborative efforts of NFL players, owners and the league to create positive change in communities across the country. https://t.co/iZLnJN7pFY pic.twitter.com/TEc3peh0dx
— Troy Vincent (@TroyVincentSr) January 11, 2019
A report from ESPN says the league will invest $12 million to the initiative for 2019. Colin Kaepernick is not involved with this initiative, after starting nationwide conversation for social justice after he kneeling for the National Anthem before games.
Knight’s decision comes as Travi$ Scott’s decision to perform has produced scrutiny around the community from many of his peers, while those such as Jay-Z, Meek Mill, Rihanna, and Cardi B claimed they would not participate. There were also a report that Kaepernick had given the rapper his blessings to perform, which was later debunked as untrue.
She made her announcement on Twitter as well.
Atlanta, I’m coming home! #NFL #SBLIII pic.twitter.com/8rH0O5OAAo
— Gladys Knight (@MsGladysKnight) January 17, 2019