Don’t you feel it’s been a long time since the Chiefs have played? Like we know, there was the Broncos clash just two weeks ago. But that wasn’t the Chiefs losing 38-0—Nah! The Chiefs, we know, are coming back for their divisional-round game against the Texans. So, to hype Patrick Mahomes and Co and get the Arrowhead on their feet. Kansas City has decided to call someone special to start the proceedings by singing the National Anthem.

Lanell Lightfoot, a gospel vocalist, received the opportunity to warm up the GEHA with her serene voice on Saturday. Well, Lightfoot is a bit too familiar with singing, having started at the tender age of 4. Yeah, that’s right. Lightfoot, who is a Minnesotan, first started singing at a local church. Just imagine a four-year-old singing—there aren’t many examples out there. Now, as she slowly honed her voice with constant practice, Lanell soon found her opportunity to record for the Minnesota Boy Choir as a teenager.

From that moment on, her singing career took off. Within a few years, she started touring the world with Sounds of Blackness. Then, her big break came in the movie ‘The Apostle’, where she recorded her soundtrack. And you know what makes Lanell Lightfoot’s appearance in Kansas City more special? She has already sung the National Anthem on multiple occasions. Lanell was invited quite a few times by the George W. Bush administration to showcase her talents as a National Anthem singer. Even the former Mayor of New York City, Rudolph Giuliani, followed George W. Bush to call upon Lanell to sing the National Anthem.

As she continued to gain recognition, her singing talents didn’t just stay limited to the USA. In 2003, the then-UK monarch Queen Elizabeth II invited Lightfoot to sing for her. Like just imagine signing in front of a Queen! Not many singers are fortunate to do so. But Lanell was one of them. Now, besides her journey as a singer. Lanell had an equally supportive family in the form of her husband and kids.

Who is Lanell Lightfoot’s husband?

Every artist out there needs a supportive family, but not everyone is fortunate to have that privilege. However, Lanell is one of those lucky singers whose husband, Bill Goodman, continues to stand by her side through thick and thin. Unlike other vocalists, Lanell isn’t someone who likes to keep her fans updated on her personal life. You can occasionally find her posting photos with her kids and the love of her life.

Going back to 2020, the mom of 4 celebrated the birth of her first son with a heart-warming collage and a caption that read, “Wow, 27 years ago today. I have gave birth to my first born son @harlemrenaissance weighing in at 5lbs 19oz and completely changed my life forever🥰. Darrian, you are selfless, loving, giving and extremely kindhearted and as your mother I’m so very blessed to have watched you grow into the AMAZING man you are today.” Now, she didn’t just wish her firstborn on his 27th birthday.

Lanell followed up by similarly wishing her second son, who just turned 25 in 2020: “I can’t believe that 25 years ago today I was extremely blessed to give birth to my 2nd born son, @adrienradford! Adrien, I’m so proud of the man you’ve become.” And you know what’s more amazing besides being a mother and a wife? A grandma. Yes, in 2020, Lanell became a grandma thanks to her oldest son, “Wow, I almost don’t know how to put it into words but…….I’m going to be a GRANDMA!! 🙌🏾🥰💙. My wonderful son @harlemrenaissance and beautiful Daughter-in-love @missbreestyles are expecting their first child, and IT’S A BOY!!” 

So, there you go—Lightfoot isn’t just your regular singer. She is a proud mother, a loving wife and, last but not least, a precious G-Ma.