The highly anticipated Super Bowl LX finally got underway as the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots faced off at a sun-drenched Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. After the Patriots won the coin toss and kicked off the game at sunset, the roar of 65,000 fans filled the air, setting the stage for an electrifying clash.
Pre-Game Festivities Set the Tone
Before the opening whistle, punk rock legends Green Day delivered a high-octane performance on the Levi's Stadium turf, thrilling the crowd with a set of their classic hits. The California natives provided a vibrant, high-energy contrast to the more traditional ceremonies that followed, seamlessly blending rock and football culture.
Charlie Puth's National Anthem Sparks Social Media Firestorm
The evening then transitioned to a 'special arrangement' of the national anthem by singer Charlie Puth, which immediately ignited a firestorm on social media. Puth, a New Jersey native, performed a version of the Star-Spangled Banner featuring unique vocal runs that left viewers sharply divided. Many questioned whether the star was singing live, with critics flooding platforms like X to voice their disapproval.
One viewer wrote on X: 'I know Charlie Puth is like a pitch perfect guy but it sounded lip synced.' Another added: 'Did Charlie Puth just lip sync the national anthem?' Despite his pre-game promise of a 'really special arrangement in D major,' fans were quick to criticize, with one calling it the 'worst national anthem of all-time' and others questioning his suitability for such a massive stage.
Other Performances and Celebrity Sightings
The pre-game festivities also included Brandi Carlile, who delivered a stirring rendition of 'America the Beautiful,' and rising star Coco Jones, whose powerful performance of 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' received overwhelmingly positive reactions on social media. The stands at Levi's Stadium were packed with Hollywood royalty and music icons, notably power couple Jay-Z and Beyonce, adding a layer of glamour to the event.
Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce was also spotted in a luxury suite, watching the action solo after his team failed to reach the Super Bowl this year. As the sun set over the stadium, the focus swiftly shifted from the musical performances back to the football, with players from both teams making their dramatic entrance onto the field.
The stage is now set for an unforgettable showdown, with more updates to follow as the game progresses.
