Country hit maker Carly Pearce helped kick off the NFL’s NFC Championship Game on Sunday (January 24), delivering a flawless rendition of the national anthem before the Green Bay Packers took on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Singing the patriotic standard remotely due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Pearce wasn’t physically on the field, but her strong Kentucky vocals stirred spirits just the same. Her performance was filmed elsewhere on a grey backdrop and played over the jumbotron at historic Lambeau Field (home of the Packers), mixing respectful refinement with a casual country charm.
Saying she was “so honored to be able to do this” on her official Twitter feed, Pearce must have gone into the appearance knowing the “The Star-Spangled Banner” is notoriously difficult to sing. Its high notes can be a challenge for even the most iconic singers, and because it’s often sung without supporting instrumentation, any mistake would be obvious to the audience (who in this case was millions of fans watching at home). But Peace was unfazed.
Taking her time and not rushing, but also not lingering on the song’s famous lyrics, she delivered the anthem with confidence and clarity. Others have been criticized for trying to show off with the song in the past, but not Pearce, who only held on to one note for any kind of special effect — the final one — and instead let the delicate twang fans have come to love on songs like “Every Little Thing” and “I Hope You’re Happy Now” take a starring role.
After her performance the game got underway, with the Buccaneers ultimately coming out on top. Led by quarterback Tom Brady, they’ll now face the Kansas City Chiefs February 7 for Super Bowl LV — marking Brady’s 10th Super Bowl and first appearance for Tampa Bay since 2002. And in another first, the game will be played in Tampa — the first time a Super Bowl has been played at one of the competing team’s home stadium. Carly Pearce released her heartfelt ballad “Show Me Around” in December.