Eric Church and R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan stood under the Raymond James Stadium lights and created history as they delivered a remarkable rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” on Sunday, February 7.

The 2020 CMA Awards’ entertainer of the year, Eric Church, kicked off the performance in his iconic shades, deep purple swede jacket, and his electric guitar wrapped around his neck. Church began the anthem solo and slowly as he showcased his rich and raspy voice. However, shortly after, the powerhouse R&B vocalist Jazmine Sullivan joined the country singer and wowed not only the fans in the stadium but also the ones watching from home.

Sullivan slayed the performance of the difficult hymn in a cream-colored bedazzled suit with an intricate diamond headpiece. The mixture of Church’s soulful country twang and Sullivan’s rhythmic silky melody created a beautiful sound that will remain unmatchable for future Super Bowles to come. 

In a recent interview with Apple Music Country, Church admitted that he was trying to stay far away from the challenging anthem for years. “It’s so hard,” says the country icon. “ My first response was, nuh-uh… I can’t. I’m a stylist, not a vocalist.” 

However, Church quickly jumped on the opportunity once he heard that producer Adam Blackstone picked Sullivan to sing alongside him. 

“I’m not missing a chance to sing with her,” Church shared during an Apple Music Country interview with Kelleigh Bannen. “And that was it. Once I heard her voice, I said, ‘Okay, I’m in.” 

While the country star was first hesitant to take the Super Bowl field, Sullivan told Entertainment Tonight that she was always excited to blend and experiment with their two completely different sounds. 

“We definitely come from two totally different, um everything,” says the singer. “But I’m excited. I think it will be cool to blend the different sounds of music and just show some unity. I just hope that it brings unity, and it shows that you can be from two different parts of life and come together for a good common cause.” 

Both Sullivan and Church did precisely that, as the two called for unity and peace during the patriotic performance. While the duet finished harmonizing their powerful voices together, fireworks lit up the Super Bowl Sunday sky above them as history was made by the Air Force bombers that conducted the first-of-its-kind trifecta flyover.

Watch the moving performance here and let us know what you think about it by leaving a reaction down below or tweeting us @CS_Country.

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