Watch Amanda Gorman Recite "Chorus of the Captains" at Super Bowl LV
A poem dedicated to honorary captains who have served as leaders during the pandemic.
UPDATE (February 7, 2021): As announced, National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman has delivered a powerful poem at the Super Bowl LV. Titled “Chorus of the Captains,” the original poem honors those who have served as leaders throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
“Wow, we’re about to see poetry at the Super Bowl for the first time people,” Gorman expressed her excitement on Instagram. “It’s a turning page for poetry, for art and for our country, because it means we’re thinking more imaginatively about the power of human stories, more expansively about the ways to connect us even when we feel more siloed than ever,” she continued.
“Today, we honor our three captains for their actions and impact in a time of uncertainty and need,” the poem begins. “They’ve taken the lead, exceeding all expectations and limitations, uplifting their communities and neighbors as leaders, healers and educators.” She spotlights three heroes: James Martin, who works with veterans charity Wounded Warrior Project; Trimaine Davis, a teacher who has been hosting tech workshops for students; and Suzie Dorner, an ICU nurse manager at Tampa Bay General Hospital.
Watch Gorman’s full performance above.
View this post on Instagram
ORIGINAL STORY (January 28, 2021): Amanda Gorman, the National Youth Poet Laureate who delivered a powerful performance of “The Hill We Climb” at the presidential inauguration, is set to become the first-ever poet to recite at a Super Bowl. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the 22-year-old will showcase an original work to kick off the big event.
The stage will air at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. According to CNN, the poem will spotlight three honorary captains – educator Trimaine Davis, nurse manager Suzie Dorner and veteran James Martin – “who served as leaders in their respective communities during the global pandemic.”
“During this incredibly challenging time in our lives, Trimaine, Suzie and James have exemplified the essence of leadership, each in their own way. We are grateful for their commitment and proud to share their stories and recognize them during this special moment on Super Bowl Sunday,” Goodell shared in a statement.
Gorman took to Instagram to express her excitement for the upcoming performance. “What’s most exciting for me isn’t just the placement of poetry at the forefront of the most-watched U.S. television broadcast, but that this poem will honor three heroes who have served their communities during the coronavirus pandemic,” she commented. “When I was called with the idea of honoring these three amazing change-makers, I was so touched by their altruism… After all that hard work and the weeks of writing, I’m so ready for the ode to these three warriors to kick off the Super Bowl.”
Super Bowl LV is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. EST on February 7.
