National Anthem Singer Norelle Simpson Turns Heads During Bengals-Steelers Game
01/04/2025 08:29 PM
ESPN made sure to remember to broadcast the pregame national anthem prior to their broadcast of the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday.
Having taken no shortage of heat for failing to do so during the Sugar Bowl Game in the aftermath of the horrific terror attack on New Year's Day, ESPN's production team made certain that both the national anthem and the pregame moment of silence for the victims was broadcast loud and clear.
It's a good thing they did because unlike the much-mocked national anthem performance by Jimmy Charles before the Browns-Ravens game a few hours prior, the Steelers' national anthem performer had just about everyone applauding her rendition.
Musical artist Norelle Simpson, who has performed the anthem plenty of times before, had the honors of singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the kickoff in Pittsburgh. She quickly proved to be one of the best performers of the song all season as she absolutely crushed the song, much to the delight of fans on social media:
"Now THATS how you sing a national anthem! #Steelers#Bengals," NFL analyst Emmanuel Acho wrote on X.
"I'm not familiar with Norelle Simpson but she absolutely crushed the National Anthem just now," another user wrote.
"Norelle Simpson singing our beautiful national anthem tonight at the Steelers v Bengals game was incredible," wrote a third.
Granted, a number of fans also took time to take a shot at ESPN for only doing so after they had already messed up with the national anthem non-broadcast before the Sugar Bowl game.
But for the most part, fans were just glad to hear a great rendition of the song after several football games where The Star-Spangled Banner was either done poorly or not broadcast at all:
"Very nice performance of the national anthem by Norelle Simpson for the Steelers game."
"Norelle Simpson just reinvented how to sing the national anthem," another declared.
"Norelle Simpson is phenomenal. Gah dayum she sing like a young a Beyoncé. Go bengals," a third wrote.
The Bengals-Steelers game is being played on ESPN. Cincinnati took an early lead on an opening drive touchdown and leads 7-0 with 5:40 remaining in the first quarter.
Related: College Football Fans Not Happy With ESPN's National Anthem Decision
