Before the New England Patriots took on the Seattle Seahawks at Super Bowl XLIX, John Legend kicked off the festivities at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. with a soulful rendition of “America the Beautiful.”

Seated at the piano, the Oscar-nominated crooner belted out the patriotic tune as his wife Chrissy Teigen and Rihanna watched from the sidelines. He earned praise on social media from friends including Kelly Rowland and Janelle Monáe.