Super Bowl 50: Lady Gaga says National Anthem performance is one of the highest honors

Lady Gaga says singing the National Anthem at this year’s Super Bowl is “one of the highest honors of my career.”

During a conversation with NFL media analyst Nate Burleson, the singer continued, “I get a chance to sing for all the athletes who have been working so hard their whole lives for this moment, the coaches, as well as the fans in the stands who are waiting for this moment, and I think it really marks what being an American is all about: working hard and that being the ultimate payoff for the champion is hard work.”

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Gaga follows in the footsteps of Idina Menzel, Kelly Clarkson, Mariah Carey, and Alicia Keys, who have all performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Super Bowl in years past. But, Whitney Houston’s legendary performance will always stand out for Gaga.

“I have to live up to a song that stands the test of time,” the singer said. “I think the best way to do that is kind of forget about yourself and just focus on what it means.”

Following Gaga’s rendition, Coldplay will take the stage for this year’s halftime performance, with previous Super Bowl headliners Beyoncé and Bruno Mars expected to join them.