When the stadium quieted before kickoff at this year’s Super Bowl, viewers anticipated the traditional moment of reflection that accompanies the national anthem. Charlie Puth took the field and delivered a smooth, controlled performance that set the tone for the evening. Almost immediately, however, the rendition sparked widespread discussion online, turning a familiar pregame tradition into a topic of debate across social media platforms.
The anthem was performed ahead of Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, where the New England Patriots faced the Seattle Seahawks. Music had already been under close attention leading up to the game, with conversations surrounding other entertainment elements adding to heightened scrutiny of every pregame detail. As a result, Puth’s performance drew immediate and intense viewer reaction.
While many praised the singer’s vocal precision and calm delivery, others questioned whether the performance was live. Some viewers suggested the vocals sounded unusually flawless, leading to speculation online about the use of pre-recorded audio. These claims spread quickly, fueled by comparisons to previous Super Bowl anthem performances that featured noticeable imperfections associated with live singing.
No official clarification has been issued regarding the performance, and such speculation is not uncommon at large-scale televised events. What the reaction highlights is how rapidly moments at high-profile broadcasts are analyzed and discussed in real time. Regardless of differing opinions, the performance once again showed how even the opening minutes of the Super Bowl can become a focal point of national conversation.