NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Irma Thomas will perform the national anthem before the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 at the Caesars Superdome.
Thomas, widely known as the “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” ahead of the 7 p.m. kickoff. The anthem presentation is sponsored by Vet Tix, which provides free event tickets to military members and veterans.
The anthem will also serve as part of the Sugar Bowl’s ongoing recognition of New Orleans-area teachers. A massive American flag will be unfurled on the field by local educators during the performance. In recent years, the Allstate Sugar Bowl and the College Football Playoff Foundation have committed more than $5 million to supporting teachers in the region.
“I’m just Irma,” Thomas said. “I love what I do; it’s a gift I’m blessed with to bring joy to others. I’m 84 years old and I plan on bringing joy through music for as long as I can.”
Thomas said fans can expect a traditional rendition of the anthem.
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“I don’t change it up, I do it straight just like it is,” she said. “The ending, I may do a bit more, hitting that high note, but I keep it pretty much as it was done.”
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