At Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, Coco Jones didn’t just deliver one of the night’s most talked-about musical moments — she created one of its most unforgettable fashion statements. Under the stadium lights at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the Grammy-winning singer stepped onto the field to perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing” in a look that paid beautiful homage to Whitney Houston’s iconic 1991 Super Bowl performance — a moment still etched in pop culture history.
A Look Rooted in Legacy and Symbolism
Jones’ outfit — designed in collaboration with streetwear legend Karl Kani and stylist Vance Gamble — was a modern reimagining of the all-white tracksuit Houston wore when she performed the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXV. Coco’s version kept the athletic spirit of that classic look but elevated it into something timeless and deeply meaningful.
Her ensemble featured a crisp white cropped jacket paired with a dramatic high-low bubble skirt with a long train, accented with red, black, and green Pan-African flag colors — adding powerful cultural context during Black History Month. A white headband — a signature element of Houston’s 1991 style — completed the tribute with a subtle yet unmistakable nod to the queen herself.
In fashion terms, it wasn’t just an outfit — it was a story. The Pan-African stripes woven into the otherwise minimalist white ensemble bridged the past with the present, honoring Houston’s legacy while celebrating Black culture and resilience on one of the world’s biggest stages.
Fashion as Cultural Dialogue
The Super Bowl has become more than a sporting event — it’s a global cultural moment, and Coco’s look beautifully illustrated this evolution. Her choice to work with Karl Kani, a pioneer of hip-hop fashion, emphasized not only a personal style statement but a broader affirmation of Black creative history.
Jones’ performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing, often referred to as the Black National Anthem, resonated deeply. Supported by string instrumentalists adorned in coordinated tracksuits, the visual and sonic experience married reverence with innovation — a reminder that fashion and music aren’t just entertainment, but vehicles for representation and pride.
A Moment of Reflection and Reverence
For fans watching around the world, Jones’ homage wasn’t just a stylish throwback — it was a heartfelt salute to a cultural milestone. Whitney Houston’s 1991 performance uplifted a nation during a time of crisis; now, 35 years later, Coco Jones used that same visual language to empower and unite viewers in a new era.
“It felt surreal to be on that stage,” Jones said ahead of her gig, reflecting on the honor and responsibility of representing culture at such a global event. In her outfit, she didn’t just echo Houston — she expanded the narrative, reminding audiences that history is alive, evolving, and worth celebrating.
The Fashion World Responds
As the fashion world buzzed with commentary, stylists and trendsetters praised Jones for her balance of homage and originality. Vogue noted how the Super Bowl has shifted into a crossover moment for fashion and sport, where outfits like Coco’s become part of the cultural conversation itself.
Seen through the lens of fashion history, Coco Jones’ Super Bowl look wasn’t merely inspired by Whitney Houston — it continued her legacy, proving that icons never truly leave the stage; they live on in every thoughtful tribute, in every cultural moment reimagined with heart.
