74‑year‑old music legend Gladys Knight has accepted an invitation to perform the Star Spangled Banner at the NFL Super Bowl, which is being held in her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia on the 4th of next month.
Atlanta, I’m coming home! #NFL #SBLIII pic.twitter.com/8rH0O5OAAo
— Gladys Knight (@MsGladysKnight) January 17, 2019
It was confirmed this week that the halftime show will be performed by Maroon 5, with rappers Travis Scott and Big Boi supporting.
There has been criticism directed at some black artists for failing to show solidarity with former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kapaernick.
Artists including Rihanna and Cardi B reportedly turned down the show, traditionally seen as a massive opportunity for artists to be seen by a TV audience of hundreds of millions.
Gladys is now facing similar criticism but, in a statement to Variety she said she intends to give the anthem back its voice, to stand for that historic choice of words, the way it unites people when they hear it and to free it from the same prejudices and struggles she has fought long and hard for all her life.
The decision has left some fans conflicted, while others believe the star ‑ who sang at Aretha Franklin's funeral ‑ has earned the right to decide for herself.
#NFL #SBLIII pic.twitter.com/HdiR7DZR5Z
— Gladys Knight (@MsGladysKnight) January 17, 2019
[Source: BBC]
