WATCH: Mickey Guyton’s Absolutely Gorgeous Rendition of the National Anthem Kicks Off Super Bowl LVI

Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images.

The honor of singing the national anthem at this year’s Super Bowl was bestowed upon country music singer-songwriter Mickey Guyton, and she delivered a performance that more than lived up to the hype.

Guyton was featured in numerous recent media profiles that highlighted her struggle to make it in the country music world as a Black female performer, as well as her Grammy-nominated hit, “Black Like Me,” which she dedicated to the memories of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor.

“The Star-Spangled Banner,” with lyrics derived from a 1814 Francis Scott Key poem, is a notoriously difficult song, with lyrics that have tripped up even experienced performers, a range that’s broader than what’s comfortable for most singers, and that famous high note at “land of the free.”

Guyton sailed through with flying colors. In a floor-length royal blue gown just as elegant as her performance, she delivered a stunning rendition — including nailing that high note at the end — and couldn’t help but grin as she wrapped the song and the military jets flew over the stadium.

Watch above, via NBC.

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