Lovato's performance was viewed by some as being one of the best ever performed at the Super BowlGETTY IMAGES
Super Bowl LIV began with an "emotional national anthem from Demi Lovato, whose appearance capped off a victorious return to the stage" after her '18 overdose, according to Lauren Steussy of the N.Y. POST (2/3). In San Jose, Jim Harrington writes Lovato's performance was "one of the best versions ever performed at the Super Bowl." It was "wonderfully powerful, yet still restrained" (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 2/3). USA TODAY's Patrick Ryan writes Lovato "delivered a flawless performance of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' to open" yesterday game, once again reminding people that she is "one of the best vocalists in the industry today" (USA TODAY, 2/3).
TO THE POINT: In L.A., Randy Lewis writes Lovato's performance was "potent and relatively unfussy" (L.A. TIMES, 2/3). In Detroit, Adam Graham writes Lovato "turned in a respectfully straightforward version of the song, only occasionally flexing her dynamo vocals with go-for-the-end-zone glory notes" (DETROIT NEWS, 2/3). In Phoenix, Ed Masley writes Lovato "threw in a handful of flourishes," but "ultimately went with a restrained rendition that showcased her talents while keeping the spotlight where it should be: on the anthem" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 2/3).
