The NFL postseason is set to kick off with excitement as Grammy-accredited vocalist Norelle Simpson performs the National Anthem for the Wild Card matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans on Monday night. This occasions marks Simpson’s debut on Monday Night Football, where she will also experience her first-ever postseason NFL game.
In addition to the anthem performance, the Steelers have organized a halftime show featuring a spectacular drone presentation to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the iconic Terrible Towel. However, the execution of this aerial display is weather-dependent. The forecast indicates a chilly 32°F for the temperature during halftime, with a wind chill bringing it down to a real-feel of about 23°F. As of now, conditions are anticipated to remain stable, allowing for the eagerly awaited drone show.
Simpson expressed her excitement ahead of the game, sharing the significance of the moment on social media. “2026 is taking off with a lot of firsts,” she posted on Instagram, thanking the Steelers for the opportunity to perform at such a critical event. With over 68,000 fans expected at Acrisure Stadium and a national television audience, her performance is set to create an emotional backdrop as the game’s narrative unfolds.
Simpson’s musical journey has led her to the NFL stage after years of working as a backup vocalist for major artists including Rihanna and Demi Lovato, among others. She released her debut album, A Story About Love, in 2021 and has performed the National Anthem at numerous league games, including a previous appearance for the Steelers last January. Notably, she has graced the stage of two Super Bowls, performing alongside stars like Jennifer Lopez and Shakira at Super Bowl LIV and Rihanna at Super Bowl LVII.
As the Texans and Steelers gear up for this critical showdown, Simpson’s rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” will resonate through the stadium, setting an inspiring tone for the competitive spirit of the playoffs. Football fans can look forward to an exhilarating night filled with anticipation and heartfelt performances, underscoring the excitement of the NFL postseason.