How does Brandi Carlile manage her nerves before performing at the Super Bowl?

Brandi Carlile acknowledges her nerves as a normal part of performing a difficult song and does not try to conquer them.

What is Brandi Carlile's unique method for managing band adrenaline?

Brandi Carlile and her bandmates give each other 'little punches in the stomach' to help manage adrenaline before performing.

What advice does Brandi Carlile give to aspiring artists?

Brandi Carlile advises that working in community is more beneficial than simply being yourself, and that community is key to making dreams real.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Brandi Carlile's Super Bowl Nerves: 'Musically, it's a hard song'

Brandi Carlile's Super Bowl Nerves: 'Musically, it's a hard song'

8 Feb

•

Summary

Carlile acknowledged nerves, treating them as a normal part of performance.
She shared a humorous pre-performance ritual to manage band adrenaline.
Carlile emphasized community as essential for realizing dreams.

Brandi Carlile's Super Bowl Nerves: 'Musically, it's a hard song'

Brandi Carlile is set to perform 'America the Beautiful' at Super Bowl 60, embracing the magnitude of the moment without pretense. Carlile, an acclaimed 11-time Grammy winner, spoke candidly about her nerves, framing them not as obstacles to overcome but as natural aspects of a challenging performance. She admitted, "Musically, it's a hard song."

To manage pre-performance excitement, Carlile and her band employ a quirky routine, involving "little punches in the stomach" to release adrenaline. She laughed about how "ridiculous" it might sound, but it reflected a genuine connection within the group.

Carlile stressed the importance of trust—in preparation, in her bandmates, and in the music itself. For aspiring artists, she offered advice beyond the common "be yourself" mantra, stating that "working in community is even better" and that "community is the best way to make any dream real."