Charlie Puth reacts to Super Bowl anthem backlash
'Changes' singer Charlie Puth says he is not as good as Whitney Houston, but he will give fans his best vocals at next year's Super Bowl.
Charlie Puth "can't believe" that he will be singing the American national anthem at the 2026 Super Bowl.
He was one of three artists announced as part of the line-up for the Febuary 8 sports event. Coco Jones will perform 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' while Brandi Carlile will sing 'America the Beautiful'.
Singing the national anthem at Super Bowl LX is a huge career highlight for Puth. He will follow in the footsteps of performers such as Diana Ross, Billy Joel and Neil Diamond.
Whitney Houston's 1991 anthem performance is regarded as the greatest in U.S. history, which prompted some to question whether Puth was the right person for the job.
"Man we’ve fallen from when Whitney Houston sang at the Super Bowl. Charlie Puth? He’s not gonna give us vocals, I’m afraid," an X user complained.
Man we’ve fallen from when Whitney Houston sang at the Super Bowl. Charlie Puth? He’s not gonna give us vocals I’m afraid https://t.co/erWJazc94J
— Link Lauren (@itslinklauren) December 1, 2025
Puth came across the tweet, but instead of getting defensive, he vowed to give his all on stage.
"I’ll never claim to be as good of a singer as Whitney Houston ever was," he replied.
"But I assure you we’re putting a really special arrangement together- in D major. It’ll be one of my best vocal performances."
The X user quickly backtracked on his earlier comment, saying he can't wait to see Puth perform the anthem.
"I wish you nothing but success, but just miss our big belting divas like Whitney. What an era. Make sure they know it’s D major and not b minor. Cheers, Char!"
Scores of social media users came to the 'Changes' singer's defence.
"I guess they haven't heard you sing, Charlie. You guys also can't keep comparing artists of now with artists of the past. You can have past legendary performances without tearing down the now. Charlie could have one of the best of the last 15 years."
A second person added, "Your vocals are perfection! You never disappoint! I am so very proud of you! Just remember, they picked you. The best!"
Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny is the main performer on the night. He is set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show.
I’ll never claim to be as good of a singer as Whitney Houston ever was. But I assure you we’re putting a really special arrangement together- in D major. It’ll be one of my best vocal performances. https://t.co/N4POfitxhb
— Charlie Puth (@charlieputh) December 1, 2025
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Image credit: Instagram/@charlieputh