Coco Jones performs national anthem at Super Bowl 60, wins hearts today

Coco Jones just stole millions of hearts at Super Bowl 60 today with a breathtaking performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The Grammy-winning R&B star became the sixth artist to deliver the Black National Anthem on the world’s biggest stage, honoring Whitney Houston’s legacy with designer tracksuits and raw emotion.

From Child Star to Grammy-Winning R&B Breakout

Coco Jones has lived a remarkable career arc, launching into the spotlight as a Disney Channel sensation in 2011 and persisting through industry challenges to become music’s hottest sensation. The singer-songwriter spent years in television, starring in “So Random!” and the 2012 film “Let It Shine,” before taking a deliberate pivot toward music. Her strategic comeback in 2022 with single “ICU” changed everything, spawning a platinum certification and propelling her into the mainstream consciousness.

Today, at 28 years old, Coco Jones represents the gold standard for multi-talented entertainers, juggling acting roles in Netflix’s “Bel-Air” reboot while establishing herself as R&B’s breakout artist. Her vulnerability in both mediums has resonated deeply with audiences seeking authenticity in celebrity culture.

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” Meets Whitney’s Magic Formula

Before stepping onto the Las Vegas stage today, Coco Jones revealed her preparation secret at the Super Bowl LX press conference on February 5: she follows Whitney Houston’s famous vocal trick by eating Lay’s potato chips before performing. “I don’t know,” she explained with a laugh, “Whitney Houston said that it makes your voice more oiled and loose, so now I just do it all the time.”

The strategy paid off spectacularly. Wearing designer tracksuits as a visual tribute to Houston’s iconic 1991 Super Bowl performance, Coco Jones delivered an emotionally charged rendition of the beloved anthem that resonated through the stadium and across television screens. She admitted beforehand to feeling significant nerves, revealing that she manages pre-performance anxiety by “jumping around” and moving to release adrenaline.

Career Milestones and Chart-Topping Success

Milestone	Achievement
Billboard Hot 100	Debuted at No. 88 with “ICU” in March 2023
R&B Airplay Chart	“Here We Go” reached No. 1 in December 2024
Grammy Awards 2024	Won Best R&B Performance, nominated for Best New Artist
Debut Album Release	“Why Not More?” released April 25, 2025 via Def Jam

Coco Jones signed with High Standardz/Def Jam in 2022, launching an EP titled “What I Didn’t Tell You” that featured her breakthrough single. The song’s success was meteoric: platinum certification, chart dominance, and industry accolades followed. Her debut full-length album has already sold over 100,000 total units in the United States, cementing her status as a commercial and critical powerhouse.

“My mom has been at a loss for words for the first time. She’s super, super excited, and I can’t wait for her to watch me sing at this moment. I feel like I’ve had so many moments where I’ve sang at games that have opened doors for me to be here, so this is very full circle.”

— Coco Jones, on her Super Bowl 60 performance

Love, Legacy, and Looking Ahead

Coco Jones is also engaged to NBA star Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers, with the couple announcing their engagement in July 2025 after two years of dating. The 28-year-old artist has spoken openly about their relationship, calling marriage “the biggest contract she’s ever signed.” Her personal happiness mirrors her professional ascent, creating a complete picture of a woman living her fullest life.

From childhood stardom through reinvention to Grammy wins and Super Bowl glory, Coco Jones embodies resilience and strategic career planning. Today’s emotional performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” added another unforgettable chapter to her story, cementing her place among the greatest entertainers of her generation.

What Makes Coco Jones an Inspiration to Millions?

Coco Jones‘s journey transcends typical celebrity narratives because she refused to be defined by a single lane or early-career identity. After the Disney Channel era ended, she disappeared from public view deliberately, regrouping and returning on her own terms with authentic music that connected with listeners seeking vulnerable storytelling and soulful production. Her willingness to be vulnerable, her work ethic in mastering multiple crafts, and her gratitude for family support all resonate powerfully with audiences.

Today’s Super Bowl 60 performance demonstrated not just vocal prowess but emotional depth. She delivered the Black National Anthem not as a checkbox achievement but as a meaningful honor, visibly embracing the responsibility of representing cultural legacy and artistic excellence. That authenticity is precisely why Coco Jones has won millions of hearts both on and off the stage.

Sources

• TheGrio – Coco Jones’s preparation details and Whitney Houston vocal technique revelation
• Billboard – Chart history and Grammy Awards achievements spanning 2023-2025
• NBC Sports and NFL – Super Bowl 60 lineup and performance announcements