Before the contenders kicked off the start of Super Bowl XLVII at the New Orleans Superdome, two of Grammy-winning R&B greats blessed the field and lifted their voices for two of America’s most popular songs.

 

Jennifer Hudson in a touching performance of “America the Beautiful” had an extra special addition to her rendition being that she was joined by students from the Sandy Hook Elementary School choir of Newtown, Connecticut.

 

Following their performance, Alicia Keys took to the field, poised at a white piano and belted out a slow-paced rendition of the “National Anthem.” Keys version of the song lasted 156 seconds which set a new Super Bowl record over Natalie Cole’s 152 seconds.

 

Check out both ladies’ performances below…

  

Jennifer Hudson w/the SHES Choir Singing “America the Beautiful”

 

 

Alicia Keys Singing the “National Anthem”