Charlie Puth performed the U.S. national anthem ahead of Super Bowl LX, delivering a polished and emotional rendition that quickly drew attention from viewers watching around the world.
The game, held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, featured the New England Patriots facing the Seattle Seahawks. Even before kickoff, the musical performances were already generating buzz and debate online.
Much of that discussion began earlier in the night. Bad Bunny’s halftime show sharply divided opinion, while Green Day’s pregame performance of “American Idiot” sparked speculation about possible political messaging.
Following Green Day, the 34-year-old Puth took the field to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Many viewers praised the performance for its technical precision, calling it flawless and controlled.
However, that same perfection led to controversy. Soon after the anthem aired, social media filled with comments accusing Puth of lip-syncing the performance.
Several users questioned whether the vocals were live, suggesting the rendition sounded “too perfect.” Others criticized the idea of lip-syncing the national anthem, calling it disrespectful if true.
Despite the online accusations, there has been no confirmation that Puth lip-synced. Broadcast conditions, audio mixing, and rehearsal recordings can sometimes make live performances sound unusually clean.
Still, the debate highlights how closely scrutinized Super Bowl performances have become. Even traditional moments like the national anthem can spark controversy, showing how intense attention and strong opinions surround every aspect of the event.