The Super Bowl is one of the most anticipated and watched events in American sports & culture. Every year, fans tune in to watch the thrilling game, the amazing commercials, and the spectacular performances by some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. But this year, the Super Bowl will also platform a different kind of talent: deaf performers.
In a pioneering move that celebrates diversity and inclusion. For the first time in history, the Super Bowl will feature deaf performers in pregame and halftime shows. So which era-defining performers will be gracing the famous Super Bowl stage?
Super Bowl to break new ground this year
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The deaf performers will use American Sign Language (ASL) to convey the lyrics and emotions of the songs. ASL is a rich and complex language. It uses hand shapes, movements, facial expressions, and body language to communicate meaning and nuance. And the NFL is set to have some of the best ASL performers on its stage.
Article | Deaf Performers at Super Bowl LVIII. Read more at this link (https://t.co/6WhutJ4djE). #DeafPerformance #SuperBowlDeaf #SignLanguage #DiversityInEntertainment #InclusiveSuperBowl #DeafPride #CelebratingDiversity pic.twitter.com/UvbjSCflcT
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Actor Daniel Durant, actress and model Anjel Piñero, and self-taught actor, dancer, and choreographer Shaheem Sanchez are the lucky performers. And the choice of the songs that they will be signing is also interesting.
Piñero will be signing the evergreen ‘America The Beautiful’ song by Ray Charles and Sanchez will be signing Michael Cooper’s ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’. While Durant will be signing the National Anthem. Now, let us get to know these pioneers a bit more!
A life of performance and excellence
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Durant is one of the most accomplished deaf actors of our generation. His best-known role is playing the character of Leo Rossi in CODA (2022). This film went on to win three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Piñero placed in the top 23 of the 2023 Miss New York USA pageant and is competing in the 2024 Miss New York USA pageant. She most famously appeared in ‘Law and Order SVU’. Sanchez thrives online, teaching and entertaining with ASL to millions of his followers.
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Are you excited about this bold move by the NFL for the Super Bowl? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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