In what was one of the most memorable moments of Super Bowl 2026, singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile delivered a moving, acoustic rendition of “America the Beautiful” during the pregame show. But it wasn’t just the musical performance that captivated audiences , it was the deep emotional connection and message of inclusivity that made this moment stand out. Accompanying Carlile was deaf artist Julian Ortiz, who performed the lyrics in American Sign Language (ASL), creating a powerful visual and emotional experience that resonated with viewers across the nation.
A Unique, Inclusive Performance
The pregame show, traditionally filled with high-energy entertainment and spectacle, took a more intimate and reflective turn with Carlile’s performance. As the singer strummed an acoustic guitar and poured her soul into the well-loved American anthem, Ortiz, standing nearby, seamlessly interpreted the song in ASL. Ortiz’s expressive signing brought an entirely new layer to the performance, allowing both hearing and deaf audiences to experience the song in a profoundly personal way.
For many viewers, this moment was a poignant reminder of the power of music to transcend barriers and connect people across different walks of life. The inclusion of ASL was not just a thoughtful gesture; it was a deliberate decision that added layers of accessibility, reinforcing the importance of embracing all individuals, regardless of their ability to hear.
The Super Bowl has long been a platform for showcasing national pride, but this performance made it clear that pride comes in many forms, and inclusivity should be a cornerstone of modern celebrations. The performance highlighted the importance of representation and set a precedent for future live events , proving that inclusivity doesn’t have to be an afterthought but can be seamlessly woven into major cultural moments.
A Super Bowl Moment With Emotional Resonance
Brandi Carlile’s connection to her performance went beyond the music. The celebrated artist has always been known for her advocacy, particularly her work in promoting inclusivity and amplifying voices that are often marginalized. Her decision to collaborate with Ortiz for this moment felt deeply personal and socially conscious. Carlile has long been a champion for LGBTQ+ rights, mental health awareness, and disability rights, and this performance added another layer to her already rich portfolio of advocacy.
Her emotional delivery, paired with Ortiz’s heartfelt ASL interpretation, created a moment that wasn’t just about the Super Bowl or the pageantry of sports but about the power of shared human experience. Viewers on social media quickly praised the performance, with many noting that it wasn’t just a performance for the ears, but for the heart and soul. Online reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with fans expressing gratitude for the visibility and recognition of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
The Cultural Impact of ASL in Mainstream Music
The inclusion of American Sign Language in mainstream performances has been steadily gaining momentum over the years. Yet, it was Carlile’s performance at one of the most-watched televised events in the world that truly brought this idea into the spotlight. ASL, often marginalized in traditional entertainment, was brought into the center stage, encouraging more conversations about accessibility in music, theater, and live events.
In a world where digital content is consumed by a diverse audience, there is a growing demand for inclusive media. ASL interpreters, captions, and other accessibility features are becoming increasingly important to ensure that everyone, regardless of their hearing abilities, can engage fully with art and culture. Carlile’s performance serves as a shining example of how these features can be seamlessly integrated into large-scale performances without losing their emotional or artistic power.
Super Bowl 2026: A Celebration of Inclusivity
While the Super Bowl is often synonymous with the commercial and competitive excitement of the NFL, it has also evolved into an event that showcases American culture, including the music, art, and diverse communities that contribute to the nation’s identity. Carlile’s performance was not just a musical number; it was a statement , a celebration of diversity and a reminder of the responsibility that artists and entertainers have to reflect society’s varied and beautiful makeup.
Brandi Carlile’s decision to collaborate with Julian Ortiz reflects a growing trend in entertainment that aims to include more underrepresented communities in meaningful and visible ways. It wasn’t just about having an ASL interpreter at the side of the stage; it was about making sure that the message of unity and patriotism was inclusive of everyone. As Ortiz’s hands danced in fluid motion alongside Carlile’s powerful vocals, it was clear that this was a moment of true connection.
More Performers With Meaningful Contributions
While Carlile’s performance took center stage, it wasn’t the only moment of inclusivity during the pregame show. Charlie Puth, known for his innovative approach to pop music, also took the stage with his soulful performance, joined by a number of ASL interpreters to help translate his lyrics. Likewise, Coco Jones, a rising star in R&B and musical theater, brought her own dynamic performance, incorporating ASL elements to ensure that her audience could follow along and enjoy the performance.
These additions continued the theme of accessibility and inclusivity throughout the event, sending a clear message that every person, no matter their hearing ability, should be able to enjoy the universal language of music.
A Super Bowl to Remember
As the Super Bowl 2026 festivities continue to make headlines, Brandi Carlile’s performance of “America the Beautiful” will remain a standout moment, one that shows the world how powerful, accessible, and inclusive art can be. With this performance, Carlile did not only contribute to the cultural fabric of the Super Bowl but set a new standard for future performances that are more inclusive, thoughtful, and representative of all audiences.
This beautiful blend of music, emotion, and accessibility will undoubtedly have a lasting impact, inspiring other artists to think beyond traditional boundaries and embrace the full spectrum of human experience in their performances.
Why This Matters:
Brandi Carlile’s Super Bowl 2026 performance is more than just a musical moment , it’s a cultural milestone in the ongoing push for inclusivity, accessibility, and representation in the entertainment industry. Through her collaboration with Julian Ortiz, Carlile demonstrated that powerful art transcends barriers, touching lives and hearts, regardless of ability or background.
