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Hudson To Sing Super Bowl Anthem

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By WALT BELCHER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 14, 2009

TAMPA - Multi-Grammy nominated performer Jennifer Hudson will sing the National Anthem as part of the Super Bowl XLIII pregame festivities at Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 1, the NFL and NBC announced today.

An Academy Award winner and former "American Idol" contestant, Hudson hasn't performed in public since her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew were murdered in Chicago last fall. Her estranged brother-in-law has been charged in the killings.

Hudson, who had released her debut album shortly before the killings, will also sing at the Grammys' MusiCares event a few days later.

Her debut album received four nominations for the 51st annual Grammy Awards. Her hit single "Spotlight" is now being followed by "If This Isn't Love."

More than 148 million viewers in the U.S. watched last year's Super Bowl, the most-watched television program in history. The pregame show and Super Bowl XLIII will be broadcast worldwide in more than 230 countries and territories.

Hudson is among many great performers who have been honored with singing the Super Bowl National Anthem, including Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Neil Diamond, Whitney Houston (Super Bowl XXV in Tampa), Harry Connick, Jr., Garth Brooks, Natalie Cole, Vanessa Williams, Jewel, Cher, Faith Hill, the Backstreet Boys, Mariah Carey, the Dixie Chicks, Beyonce Knowles and many more.

It was previously announced that Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform in the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLIII Halftime Show.

Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813) 259-7654 or wbelcher@tampatrib.com.

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