From before kick-off to the last moments of Super Bowl LVIII, Black women showed just what makes them so special. They had a hand in making the night what it was on the field, in the stands and during the commercials. Not to mention, Beyoncé’s surprise for fans during the game. Here are the moments when Black women shined at Super Bowl LVIII.
Andra Day’s Jazzy “Black National Anthem”
Andra Day delivered a powerful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before the start of Super Bowl LVIII. Day took to the field for her performance which, true to form, was infused with jazzy vocals. She hit several high notes and when the song swelled, the emotion was felt. Day rocked an oversized neutral suit and bold gold earrings to compliment her touching performance.
Halftime Happenings
Usher’s much anticipated halftime performance was full of costume changes, skating and, of course, incredible dance moves. He also brought out several special guests. Alicia Keys joined the singer on stage in a stunning red outfit to sing “My Boo.”
Some critics took issue with a few of the notes that Keys hit, while others pointed out that Usher got a little “too close for comfort” to the married mother of two. However, Keys husband, Swizz Beatz, seemingly responded what everyone was thinking in an Instagram post showing Keys on stage, at a piano, with her long dress flowing behind her.
“Y’all talking about the wrong damn thing !!! y’all don’t see that amazing dress covering the entire stadium,” he wrote in his caption.
H.E.R. also joined Usher on stage playing the guitar and delivering her captivating energy to the audience.
Had to Have the Ads
Black women were ever present during the famous Super Bowl commercial breaks. Quinta Brunson brought her signature sarcasm and wit as the face of Turbo Taxes. Ice Spice was featured in a Starry’s ad. Viewers got to see Lupita Nyong’o in the new trailer for John Krasinski’s “A Quiet Place: Day One.” Cynthia Erivo also made her mark as Elphaba in the new “Wicked” trailer.
Beyoncé Broke the Internet, Again
Arguably, the commercial that generated the most buzz was Verizon’s, which featured Queen Bey. In it, Beyoncé makes a series of attempts to break Verizon’s 5G network, including opening a lemonade stand, running for president (hello BOTUS!) and performing a concert in space.
At the end, she reveals that she has new music coming and within minutes of the commercial airing, fans were treated to two new singles from “Act II.” The new album appears to be a country music project. According to a Casino Alpha analysis, Google trends revealed that online searches for ‘Verizon’ increased 4,900 percent worldwide and 73 percent in the United States. The numbers only serve as proof that Beyoncé always accomplishes her goals, and the internet was most definitely broken yet again.
Showing Out in the Stands
Black celebrities filled the Super Bowl stands. Ice Spice attended and spent her Super Bowl alongside Taylor Swift and Blake Lively. Beyonce showed up with husband Jay-Z and her two daughters, Blue Ivy and Rumi. Gabrielle Union sat in a box with Russell Westbrook and his wife Nina. Saweetie, a big San Francisco 49ers fan, jumped on the “of course I’m,” social media trend posting a reel from different locations inside Allegiant Stadium.