Deaf performers announced for Super Bowl LIX

The NFL announced its musicians and Deaf performers lineup for its pregame and halftime shows during the upcoming Super Bowl LIX (59) in New Orleans on Feb. 9, 2025.

The Deaf performers are actress Stephanie Nogueras, actor Otis Jones IV, and performer Matt Maxey.

According to the press release, the ASL portions are organized, like in years past, by Alexis Kashar of LOVE SIGN. The National Association of the Deaf is no longer in the picture, but its former CEO Howard Rosenblum is still involved with the Super Bowl, in his new role with his new organization, Deaf Equality.

“The Daily Moth” did several reports earlier this year about the Super Bowl and the controversy over the NAD not taking a strong position to pressure the NFL in giving screen space to Deaf performers, especially during the national anthem. I also did reports describing Kashar as a controversial person because she once threatened legal action against another Deaf business owner over similar jewelry designs with the “I Love You” handshape — Kashar claimed to have a design patent and said the other person couldn’t sell her items. During last year’s Super Bowl broadcast, Deaf performers were visibly wearing clothing with Kashar’s LOVE SIGN logo. It raised concerns about whether the NAD was endorsing a private business, but the NAD’s out of the picture now.

So, here we go again with this situation. It is unclear what the plan is with the Deaf performers’ visibility on the screen. During previous years, Kashar and Rosenblum said it’s up to the broadcaster on whether they’ll show Deaf performers or not. This year’s broadcaster is Fox. The plan may be to provide a separate link where Deaf performers are shown in a livestream, but this isn’t a popular idea with many in the Deaf community. So that’s what is coming up.

https://www.nfl.com/news/super-bowl-lix-pregame-entertainment-announced-jon-batiste-national-anthem

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