Harry Connick Jr. Leads New Orleans-Themed Kickoff to Super Bowl 2025

Harry Connick Jr. showed his New Orleans pride at Super Bowl 2025.

The New Orleans-born crooner, 57, delivered a surprise set ahead of the Big Game, which aired during the live broadcast (shared by the NFL to X).

“In New Orleans, we have lots of ways to say ‘hello.’ My personal favorite is ‘how you feelin’?’ Now, we welcome everybody to our city for Super Bowl LIX. So today, when somebody asks me ‘how you feelin’?’ I can honestly say ‘I feel great to be home in the Crescent City, New Orleans, Louisiana,” Connick Jr. told the crowd, emphasizing his Louisiana accent.

He continued: “So, how y’all feelin’, baby? Let’s celebrate some New Orleans music and culture at Super Bowl LIX.”

After Connick Jr. finished his introduction, the Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band paraded around the field to “Explode” by Big Freedia in the Mardi Gras colors of purple, yellow and green,

Connick Jr. then appeared at an upright piano to perform a rousing rendition of the late Professor Longhair’s “Go to the Mardi Gras” alongside the marching band.

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Minutes before Connick Jr.’s set, Lady Gaga also made a surprise appearance.

The pop megastar, 38, delivered the moving tribute in honor of the victims of the New Orleans terror attack on New Year’s Day and the Los Angeles wildfires as well as the deadly airplane crashes in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. and those affected by Hurricane Helene in a prerecorded segment that aired during the pre-game coverage. (A clip of it was shared on X by MuchMusic.)

Michael Strahan and Tom Brady introduced the performance while sporting NOLA Strong and L.A. Fire Department T-shirts, respectively.

“This year began with a terror attack that tried to shatter its spirit. But the resilience of New Orleans is matched by the resolve of our country,” Strahan, 53, said, before Brady, 47, added, “When tragedy strikes, we don’t break, we come together.”

Surrounding the pair were first responders and other attendees before the camera panned to Gaga who was perched at a piano.

Donning an oversized white hat and matching bell-sleeve dress, Gaga performed a striking version of her 2022 power ballad, “Hold My Hand,” from the Top Gun: Maverick soundtrack.

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles are facing off in the 2025 Super Bowl, airing on Fox on Sunday, Feb. 9.