WASHINGTON — As the world tuned in to the Super Bowl in New Orleans, Lady Gaga, Tom Brady and NFL organizers paid tribute to the recent tragedies that have plagued the U.S., including one in the heart of the host city.
Lady Gaga sang “Hold My Hand,” her 2022 tribute to resilience, in a pre-recorded performance on Bourbon Street that was aired in the run-up to kickoff.
Before the song, a solemn group that included Tom Brady, Michael Strahan and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell walked up the street together to honor the victims of recent tragedies including the Jan. 1 New Orleans truck attack and recent Los Angeles wildfires.
Brady praised “the American spirit of courage, generosity and unity.”
Gaga wore all white and sat at a piano in the middle of the street in the performance that was taped at 4 a.m. on Thursday.
We are #NOLAStrong. (via @NFLonFOX)📺: #SBLIX – 6:30pm ET on FOX📱: Tubi + NFL apphttps://t.co/fxkzaOqCAH
— NFL (@NFL) February 9, 2025
Inside the Superdome, fans were given bracelets that lit up in an otherwise darkened stadium, creating a twinkling nighttime effect.
On the field, photos of some of the victims were given a prominent place during the pre-game ceremonies.
New Orleans was rocked on New Years as an armed attacker plowed a truck into crowds partying on Bourbon Street in the heart of the French Quarter before opening fire on the gathering.
The attack claimed the lives of 15 people, including the suspect, and injured about 30 others. Federal authorities are investigating the incident as an act of terrorism.
Across the country in California, a series of out-of-season wildfires in the Los Angeles area killed 29 people and destroyed more than 10,000 homes, including the houses of celebrities and well-known actors.
For many who lost their homes in the fires, rebuilding is expected to be a long and difficult process, especially as many had been dropped by their fire insurance companies in recent years.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
