RM Despite battling a severe flu and facing skepticism from critics, Pink took the stage at Super Bowl LII and delivered a flawless rendition of the national anthem, leaving the entire stadium in awe.

On February 4, 2018, the pressure was immense. While the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles were gearing up for their showdown, all eyes were on the hometown performer, Pink. But it wasn’t just the millions of viewers around the world that posed a challenge—it was her battle with the flu that threatened to silence her powerful voice.

Leading up to the performance, Pink had been open about her illness, humorously blaming her children for passing it on. She had even struggled during her pre-Super Bowl concert, relying on backup singers after her voice began to fail during a performance of “Beautiful Trauma.” This led many to doubt whether she could pull off a perfect rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Then came the moment that would become a viral sensation. As the camera zoomed in on her standing at the center of U.S. Bank Stadium, Pink was seen quickly spitting something from her mouth and tossing it onto the field. Fans and critics immediately debated whether it was gum or a cough drop. Pink later confirmed it was a lozenge, a last-ditch attempt to soothe her throat before going live. In a single, hurried motion, she discarded her only form of vocal relief and prepared to take on the most high-stakes moment of her career.

And then, with no backup, no armor, Pink delivered a performance that stunned everyone. Despite her flu, her voice remained strong, pitch-perfect, and full of emotion. The result was a show of raw talent, courage, and professionalism that left the stadium—along with millions of viewers—speechless.

For Pink, singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl was a lifelong dream, one that she had since 1991 when she first saw her idol, Whitney Houston, perform the iconic song. But this was more than just a dream realized—it was a testament to her strength and dedication.

Pink’s Super Bowl performance wasn’t just about hitting the right notes—it was about overcoming the odds. By spitting out her lozenge and powering through, she turned a vulnerable moment into a powerful display of resilience, reminding the world that even in the face of adversity, her voice could never be silenced.