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Sheryl Lee Ralph Responds to Superbowl Lip-Sync Rumors

Sheryl Lee Ralph Superbowl

Sheryl Lee Ralph Responds to Superbowl Lip-Sync Rumors

The Abbott Elementary star performed the Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," at the year's biggest game.

Sheryl Lee Ralph wowed audiences at Superbowl LVII with a performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," but not everyone was impressed.


The Abbott Elementary star was quickly speculated to have been lip-syncing after opening the year's biggest game. Ralph recently addressed the rumors, saying she was focused on what was truly important.

"Does it matter? Does it matter? No. Thank you," she told The Hollywood Reporter.

Ralph said she is still appreciating the honor of performing in front of millions, and riding the positivity that followed.

"It's just so amazing that they chose me," she said. "And then the Eagles are in the Super Bowl. I mean, come on. You know God must be a woman because all of this is just too perfect."

The actor recently won an Emmy and a Critic's Choice Award for her role in hit comedy series Abbott Elementary. After being chosen to perform the Black National Anthem at the Superbowl, Ralph said that it was "absolute magic."

Abbott Elementary takes place in Philadelphia. My husband is a senator in Philadelphia. And this year the Eagles [went] to the Super Bowl — I had already been chosen to sing,” she explained, adding, "This was a bit of a cherry on top. We’re a bit taken back by all of this. It’s amazing. We’re happy. We’re so happy."

Ralph also believes that her recent awards and Superbowl performance mark a new phase of her career, as she can now explore whichever path she chooses.

"All I can do is thank God — that God would deliver me all these flowers at this point in my career. There’s so many people that have written me off ... But now it’s going from great to OK, that’s pretty damn amazing. How fantastic. What’s she going to do next? Produce a blockbuster? Act in a blockbuster? Who’s she going to play? Is she going to be a superhero? Because obviously she can do what we are not expecting."

In an Instagram post, Ralph pointed out the significance of her performance's date — the same day the song was first performed 123 years prior.

"It is no coincidence that I will be singing the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing at the Super Bowl on the same date it was first publicly performed 123 years ago (February 12, 1900)," Ralph wrote. "Happy Black History Month!"

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Ryan Adamczeski

Digital Director

Ryan is the Digital Director of The Advocate Channel, and a graduate of New York University Tisch's Department of Dramatic Writing, with a focus in television writing and comedy. She is also a member of GALECA, the LGBTQ+ society of entertainment critics.

Ryan is the Digital Director of The Advocate Channel, and a graduate of New York University Tisch's Department of Dramatic Writing, with a focus in television writing and comedy. She is also a member of GALECA, the LGBTQ+ society of entertainment critics.