Charlie Puth on Inspiration Behind Super Bowl Performance

Charlie Puth’s national anthem rendition hit all the right notes.

After the “We Don’t Talk Anymore” singer performed the patriotic tune ahead of the 2026 Super Bowl Feb. 8, he revealed who inspired his soulful take on the song.

“Thank you everyone for your kind words,” he wrote on X Feb. 8. “It was an honor to sing The National Anthem. I wrote the arrangement in a very specific way to honor Whitney Houston– I hope that was heard.”

Charlie—who is currently expecting his first baby with wife Brooke Sansone—also thanked the talented musicians who brought his set to life.

“Thank you to the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the Sainted Choir, the Color of Noize Orchestra, Steve Hackman, and Kenny G for joining me on stage,” he continued. “And thank you Adam Blackstone for writing such a beautiful choir part. I love music so much.”

The 34-year-old’s display of gratitude comes after dominating the field at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. Ahead of the face-off between the New England Patriots and The Seattle Seahawks—who took home the Lombardi Trophy in a 29-13 win—Charlie stepped up to a sleek keyboard to begin the moving rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”