Harry Connick Jr. welcomes Super Bowl 2025 viewers to his hometown, New Orleans

Super Bowl LIX got a lively introduction from one of New Orleans' foremost entertainers: Harry Connick Jr.

The "I Could Write a Book" crooner welcomed audiences to the big game, taking place at the Caesars Superdome in his hometown. Following Lady Gaga's emotional performance of "Hold My Hand" on Bourbon Street, Connick took the field to welcome audiences to the city.

"How ya feelin'?" Connick asked the crowd. "In New Orleans, we have lots of ways to say hello. My personal favorite is 'How ya feelin'?' Now, we welcome everybody to our city for Super Bowl 59."

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"So, today, when somebody asks me, 'How ya feelin'?' I can honestly say: I feel great to be home in the Crescent City: New Orleans, Louisiana," Connick continued. "So how y'all feelin', baby? Let's celebrate some New Orleans music and culture at Super Bowl 59!"

Trumpeter Terence Blanchard then took the stage, as did the Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band, along with musical direction and support by Derek Dixie and the Freedom Frequency Orchestra (perhaps best known for their work on Beyoncé's Homecoming Coachella sets).

Other performers in the pre-game jazz celebration included the Soul Rebels, the Original Pinettes (who are New Orleans’ only all-female brass band), and the Spirit of New Orleans Gospel Choir.

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Connick then returned to the field to perform an upbeat rendition of Professor Longhair's "Go to the Mardi Gras" with Leroy Jones on trumpet, Freddie Lonzo on trombone, and the Spirit of New Orleans Gospel Choir providing backup.

The singer concluded the segment with one last rallying introduction to the festivities. "Welcome to New Orleans, and welcome to Super Bowl 59!" he said.

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Connick's musical identity is directly tied to his New Orleans roots. Connick's father, who was the district attorney of the Orleans Parish for 30 years, was a musician himself — he played gigs in the French Quarter of the city and owned a record store. Connick Jr. began taking piano lessons in the city at just 3 years old, eventually performing with the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra at 9. He also attended the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts in high school.

Connick eventually released the big band album Oh, My NOLA in 2009 as a tribute to the city's rich musical history.

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Other performers at Super Bowl LIX include Kendrick Lamar, SZA, and Jon Batiste.

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