The NFL has attempted to expand its global reach in recent years. The latest stop on its world tour? Paris, which will is slated to host its first-ever NFL contest on Sunday morning.
The French capital is used to housing major sporting spectacles. The Saints and Steelers will take hold of the glint pastures at the Parc des Prince, the same colosseum that back-to-back Champions League winner Paris-Saint Germain shines on every other week.
What the site isn't used to — at least as far we know — are national anthems. The addresses are rarely delivered during soccer games. The NFL embraces the gesture, flaunting it in all of its jingoistic flair in a way only North American sports can produce.
On Sunday, the national anthem goes global. Here's who will play a leading role in spearheading its impending trek.
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Who is singing the U.S. national anthem for Steelers vs. Saints?
The NFL enlisted brass group The Soul Rebels to deliver the U.S. national anthem in the French capital.
Based in New Orleans, The Soul Rebels are an eight-piece ensemble that has collaborated with a host of notable musical acts, including Katy Perry, Nas, Macklemore, Robert Glasper and Green Day. The group has shown a prowess for various forms of music, often incorporating jazz, funk, soul and hip-hop into their work.
The group has released seven albums since forming, the last of which came out in 2019. It has prior history with the NFL, providing backing for Sunday Night Football's theme song in 2012. The Soul Rebels also performed as the house band at the 2013 NFL Honors.
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Who is singing the France national anthem for Steelers vs. Saints?
La Marseillaise will be recited by Nina Tonji. The Parisian of Cameroonian descent is a budding star in the French music scene, garnering plaudits for her dulcet vocals, captivating beat selection and prowess with the viola.
Tonji has released two EPs in her career: "Don't Try" (2022) and "SEN" (2024). Her most popular song is "Addiction" (2022), which has amassed more than 170,000 Spotify streams. Tonji performs in both French and English.
