Is it even a major televised event if Sheryl Lee Ralph doesn’t sing? (Remember her Emmy’s acceptance speech?) No—which is good news for football fans.
The Abbott Elementary star generously lent her talent to the Super Bowl LVII Pregame, bringing down the house with a ravishing rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” And the date made her performance all the more meaningful: According to Ralph’s Instagram reel posted before the game, today marks 123 years since the hymn was first publicly performed. “It is no coincidence that I will be singing the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing at the Super Bowl on the same date it was first publicly performed 123 years ago (February 12, 1900),” Ralph wrote. “Happy Black History Month!”
Ralph’s version of the tune was just as beautiful as you would expect, and so was the Emmy winner’s exquisite ensemble. Ralph was styled by her daughter, Ivy Coco, stunning in a bright red custom Harbison Studio jumpsuit complete with off-the-shoulder puff sleeves, gold buttons, matching red opera gloves—a trendy monochromatic accessory that is Rihanna-approved. She also added statement jewelry by Nikos Koulis.
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As for who Lee wants to win the big game at State Farm stadium? She and her Abbott Elementary character Barbara Howard seem to have that in common: Lee is proudly rooting for the Eagles.
“Just because I’m wearing that red out loud does not mean that I won’t be singing ‘Fly Eagle Fly’ in my heart,” Ralph said, according to Insider. “How can I not? Abbott Elementary takes place in Philadelphia. My husband, Senator Hughes, is the senator for the district. You know I’m rooting for the Eagles.” Lee is a true Philadelphia girl at heart.
