2025 Super Bowl Soulful Celebration: Faith, Music, and NFL Stars Unite in New Orleans
NFL Players Choir to perform in the 2025 Super Bowl Soulful celebration in New Orleans Photo courtesy of SuperBowl Soulful
Posted January 26, 2025
For over 25 years, the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration has been a cornerstone of Super Bowl week, bringing together NFL players, award-winning artists, and communities to celebrate the connection between faith, music, and football. This year’s 26th Annual Celebration is set to deliver an unforgettable evening at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts in New Orleans on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Tickets are still available but if you can’t make it to the live taping, don’t worry—the event will air as a primetime special on FOX on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT, so you can still join in on the celebration from wherever you are.
The theme this year, “Keep Going,” reflects the resilience and unity that define not just the NFL, but also the heart and soul of New Orleans. With an incredible lineup of award-winning artists, emotional tributes, and inspiring performances, this year’s event promises to be a highlight of Super Bowl week. Tickets are still available, but whether you’re there in person or watching at home, this is one night you won’t want to miss.
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A Rich Legacy of Faith and Inspiration
The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration was created in 1999 by Melanie Few-Harrison, who envisioned an event that highlights the spiritual journeys of NFL players while celebrating the healing power of gospel and soul music. Over the years, it has grown into a beloved tradition, drawing fans from all walks of life who want to experience the heart and soul behind the Super Bowl.
Although the event is not unique to New Orleans, hosting it in this vibrant city—famed for its rich musical heritage—adds an undeniable cultural resonance. The Mahalia Jackson Theater, named after the iconic gospel singer and civil rights activist who was born in New Orleans, serves as the perfect venue. Known as the “Queen of Gospel,” Mahalia Jackson’s legacy of resilience, faith, and activism lives on in this theater, making it an ideal setting for a night of spiritual celebration.
A Soulful Star-Studded Evening
Hosted by comedian and actor Bill Bellamy, best known for his roles in Love Jones and Any Given Sunday, and Rocsi Diaz, a New Orleans native and Emmy Award-winning media personality, the celebration will blend humor, energy, and cultural pride. Diaz expressed her excitement, saying, “Growing up in New Orleans, I’ve always felt the magic and soul of this city. Hosting the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration with Bill is a dream come true—it’s a chance to spotlight the resilience, beauty, and community that make New Orleans so special.”
The evening’s lineup of performers includes some of the most celebrated names in music:
- Yolanda Adams, the “First Lady of Modern Gospel”
- The Isley Brothers, legendary pioneers of R&B and soul
- Muni Long, award-winning R&B singer-songwriter
- Tori Kelly, a powerhouse blending gospel and pop
- Jonathan McReynolds, a leading voice in contemporary gospel
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- Big Fredda Credit Nelson Cosey
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- Yoland Adams. Photo courtesy of SuperBowl Soulful
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- Lucky Daye will appear on the stage of the Super Bowl Supersould stage. Photo courtesy of SuperBowl Souldful
Joining them are New Orleans icons Master P, Big Freedia, Lucky Daye, and Trombone Shorty, whose performances will showcase the vibrant cultural heritage of the Big Easy. The soulful harmonies of the NFL Players Choir will also add a deeply moving element to the night.
“This isn’t just an event; it’s a celebration of faith, community, and unity—values that define New Orleans and inspire the world,” Diaz said.
Honoring Excellence On and Off the Field
The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration also highlights outstanding achievements through its Lifetime of Inspiration Award, which this year will be presented to former NFL player and FOX Sports broadcaster Michael Strahan. Reflecting on the honor, Strahan said, “Being recognized with this award is incredibly special. This celebration is more than just music or football—it’s about creating positive change and celebrating the impact we can all make on and off the field.”
The Community Award will be presented to New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan for his commitment to service and leadership. Rising NFL talent Jared Verse of the Los Angeles Rams will be honored with the Rising Star Award for his promising career and contributions to his community.
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- SBSC 2025 1×1 Honoree Michael Strahan 01
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- SBSC 2025 1×1 Honoree Cam Jordan 01
Why the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration Matters
This event is about more than just entertainment—it’s about connection. By showcasing the deeply personal stories of NFL players, highlighting faith’s role in their journeys, and combining it with the transformative power of music, the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration creates a space for reflection and unity.
Hosting this year’s event in New Orleans adds an extra layer of significance. The city’s rich musical history—from gospel to jazz to bounce—will undoubtedly be felt throughout the night, honoring both the past and present of its cultural contributions.
World Footprints’ Exclusive Coverage
World Footprints is thrilled to return to our adopted city of New Orleans to be part of this year’s Super Bowl Soulful Celebration, bringing our audience the stories behind the performances and the honorees. From exclusive interviews to behind-the-scenes insights, we’ll highlight the inspirational moments that make this event so meaningful.
As travel journalists, we’re always seeking out stories that celebrate culture, humanity, and the power of shared experiences. This event perfectly aligns with our mission to illuminate the beauty and diversity of the world through storytelling.
NOLA Street Entertainer. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick
Let the Good Times Roll!
Whether you’re experiencing the energy live at the Mahalia Jackson Theater or watching from home, the 2025 Super Bowl Soulful Celebration is a can’t-miss event. Tune in to FOX on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT, to catch this unforgettable night of faith, music, and football straight from the heart of New Orleans.
With star-studded performances, heartfelt tributes, and the unshakable spirit of the Big Easy, there’s no better way to kick off Super Bowl weekend. So, grab your seat, feel the rhythm, and let’s celebrate the soul of the Super Bowl—New Orleans style!
Discover NOLA
From the jazz-filled streets of the French Quarter to the historic National WWII Museum, New Orleans offers something for everyone. Don’t miss iconic spots like Café du Monde or a stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront. Explore more attractions here.