Leslie Odom, Jr. to sing America the Beautiful at Super Bowl LII

Before the players take the field in Minneapolis, Leslie Odom,Jr. will take the Super Bowl stage to sing “America the Beautiful.”

The original Aaron Burr from the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Hamilton, Leslie Odom, Jr. will bring his melodic voice to the most watched television program pretty much every year, the Super Bowl. In today’s tumultuous climate, “America the Beautiful” can be a message of patriotism and a message of solidarity. The patriotic song sung by a highly recognizable performer could be a restorative spark that the NFL needs.

At Super Bowl LI, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Jasmine Cephas Jones and Phillipa Soo, the actresses who played the Schuyler Sisters in Hamilton, sang “America the Beautiful.” Their harmonious rendition of the patriotic song had both theater fans and football fans cheering. Having Hamilton cast members perform the same song two years in a row is somewhat interesting.

This year’s NFL season has been filled with complications. Sometimes the protests upstaged the play on the field. Having a musical star who represented a remarkable change to musical theater is a good choice for the NFL. Hopefully, Odom, Jr. can bring conviction to the symbolic lyrics.

Often considered easier to sing than the Star Spangled Banner, “America the Beautiful” has room for interpretation. The lyrics, with phrases like “amber waves of grain” and “purple mountain majesties,” can move even the most stoic football fan. When interpreted by an impressive performer, like Odom, Jr, the song can be heartfelt and dramatic.

While most recently known for his Aaron Burr role in Hamilton, Odom, Jr. is an amazing jazz singer. His ability to emote in his singing makes each performance memorable. From jazz interpretations to musical theater, Odom, Jr. is a force to be reckoned with on stage.

Leslie Odom, Jr. joins the other Super Bowl performers, Pink and Justin Timberlake. Pink is set to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Justin Timberlake will perform in the half-time show.

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Super Bowl LII will be held Feb. 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.