Coco Jones Honors Whitney Houston’s Iconic 1991 Super Bowl Look with Stunning 2026 Tribute
Coco Jones paid tribute to a music legend during her powerful 2026 Super Bowl appearance, channeling Whitney Houston’s unforgettable 1991 Super Bowl style while delivering an emotional performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Jones took the field during the pre-show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Feb. 8, wearing an all-white ensemble designed by Karl Kani. The look was a modern reimagining of the iconic outfit Houston wore when she performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” more than three decades ago — a moment widely considered one of the greatest Super Bowl performances of all time.
A Modern Homage with Deep Cultural Meaning
Ahead of the game, Jones, 28, revealed the tribute in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, calling the look a deliberate “homage.” She collaborated with Karl Kani — often referred to as the godfather of hip-hop fashion — to bring the vision to life.
The custom outfit featured a cropped white jacket accented with a bedazzled stripe, paired with a dramatic high-low bubble skirt and sweeping train. Subtle red, black, and green detailing referenced the Pan-African flag, adding symbolic meaning during Black History Month.
Whitney Houston’s original 1991 look included an oversized white tracksuit with a bold red stripe and a white headband — a detail Jones echoed, further cementing the visual connection between the two performances.
Elevating an Iconic Style
Speaking about the design, Kani told Essence that the goal was to honor Houston’s athletic aesthetic while pushing it into a more elevated, theatrical space.
“It kept that athletic feeling but elevated it into something elegant and dramatic,” he said.
Jones expressed excitement about the collaboration, telling Entertainment Tonight, “I’m excited for him to get to have his moment with this.”
A Star-Studded Super Bowl Pre-Show
Jones was joined in the Super Bowl pre-show lineup by Brandi Carlile and Green Day, while Charlie Puth performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Bad Bunny is set to headline the Super Bowl LX Apple Music Halftime Show. The game features a matchup between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks.
‘An Honor’ on a Global Stage
In December 2025, Jones opened up to Apple Music about being selected to perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” describing the moment as surreal.
“I don’t know how to feel… I’m still shocked,” she said at the time. “But I do think it’s an honor that they looked at me and said, ‘She can represent culture in this worldwide moment.’”
While reflecting on a successful year, Jones also shared her optimism for what’s ahead.
“I’m excited for next year and all of the new ways I will grow and the new blessings that will rain down,” she said. “And, Lord, I’m grateful.”
The 2026 Super Bowl airs live on NBC on Sunday, Feb. 8, from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.