Alicia Keys filmed a beautiful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” that premiered for the NFL in September of 2020. Additionally, it was re-aired ahead of Super Bowl LV. The song was originally a poem written by James Weldon Johson in the 1800s. The song talks about the struggle for freedom and equality, inspiring hope in listeners. For a long time, it has also inspired the Black community of America in their pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. The NFL chose to incorporate the song into their games as a way of showing the relevance of the content for the Black community today in the current social environment.
The video of Alicia Keys singing for the NFL was filmed at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. In reflection, Keys said “we filled this stadium with love, with possibility, with endlessness, with power, strength, and music.” The video was broadcast before the “Kickoff Game,” Monday Night football on ESPN and Sunday Night Football on NBC.