Lauren Daigle Celebrates Super Bowl Performance as a Moment of Vindication

Christian music star Lauren Daigle is cherishing a pivotal moment as she prepares to perform at the upcoming Super Bowl. This Sunday, the 33-year-old singer will take the stage alongside renowned jazz musician Trombone Shorty to deliver a heartfelt rendition of “America the Beautiful” during the Super Bowl pregame show at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

A Full-Circle Moment

Daigle’s appearance marks a significant milestone in her career, especially given the past controversies she faced in New Orleans. Just a few years ago, the city’s Mayor LaToya Cantrell called for her removal from a New Year’s Eve performance, igniting a public outcry against Daigle.

The Road to Recognition

In a recent interview on the “Arroyo Grande” podcast with Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo, Daigle expressed her feelings of vindication as she anticipates one of the biggest performance stages in the world. “To get this moment years later, I would say to anybody watching who has had their reputations smeared, sometimes it only takes five years for vindication,” she stated.

Controversy Surrounding Past Events

The controversy began in 2020 when Daigle participated in an outdoor prayer service and concert hosted by fellow Christian artist Sean Feucht. The event took place near Jackson Square, attracting hundreds of attendees who defied local health mandates. Mayor Cantrell publicly criticized Daigle for her involvement and later urged the producers of “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve” to prevent her from performing.

Daigle clarified that her involvement in the event was spontaneous. She was riding her bike when she decided to stop and support her friend Sean Feucht, unaware that it would lead to such backlash. “I was disappointed that my spontaneous participation became part of the political discourse,” she explained.

Reflection on Challenges

Despite the challenges she encountered, Daigle now embraces a positive perspective. “What I learned is that when people need an element of hope, coming together is one of the most beautiful things we can do in this country. Taking that away is disheartening, especially during difficult times,” she remarked.

Anticipation for the Super Bowl

With the Super Bowl being hosted in New Orleans for the first time since 2013, Daigle expressed disbelief when Trombone Shorty reached out to invite her to perform. “I picked up the phone and thought, ‘Is this real?’ It was a real call, and I was tickled,” she recalled.

Musical Collaboration

Daigle’s collaboration with Shorty promises to be unique and reflective of both their Louisiana roots. She noted that his arrangement of “America the Beautiful” pays tribute to New Orleans while also acknowledging her hometown of Lafayette. “He wanted to give a hat tip to both places,” Daigle shared.

Moreover, she revealed that her rendition will be influenced by her Christian background. After receiving the invitation, Daigle immediately began practicing, focusing on how to convey the song’s emotional message. “How can I use this song to resonate with people who may feel jaded about our country?” she pondered.

A Powerful Message

One line that particularly struck her was, “God shed His grace on me.” Daigle expressed that this line resonates deeply with her, highlighting the song’s power to convey a message of hope and gratitude. “This song is meant to honor our nation and show its beauty while acknowledging what God has done for this country,” she stated passionately.

A Moment of Triumph

As Daigle gears up for her Super Bowl performance, she reflects on her journey, which has shaped her outlook and resilience. The artist emphasizes the significance of this opportunity, not just for herself, but for those who have faced similar challenges. She aims to showcase her message of hope and unity through her music, making her Super Bowl debut all the more special.