HIGHLIGHTS
• NATIONAL ANTHEM Gaffe: Charlie Puth delivered a standout rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl LX, but an unexpected wardrobe slip stole the spotlight.
• BULGE EXPOSED ON CAMERA: The singer admitted a fashion malfunction briefly drew attention to his bulge during the performance, leading him to strategically hide behind his piano.
• SOCIAL MEDIA ERUPTS: Fans took to X and TikTok with reactions ranging from laughter to disbelief as the clip went viral across millions of streams.
• POISED PERFORMANCE, SHIFTED FOCUS: Despite a powerful anthem delivery praised by many, including celebratory social reactions, the wardrobe moment became the most talked-about aspect of the Super Bowl pre-game.

In one of the most talked-about moments from Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Charlie Puth was front and centre performing the National Anthem when a surprising wardrobe slip almost overshadowed his musical performance.

Puth, dressed in a smart outfit and playing his piano, gave a heartfelt and technically strong rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner”. Social media buzz praised his vocal control and emotional delivery, with many noting his unique arrangement and soulful support from a gospel choir.

But despite the acclaim, the performance took a weird turn when Puth briefly found himself dealing with… well, an unexpected bulge moment on live television. In interviews following the game, the 34-year-old admitted that a wardrobe gaffe caused his bulge to draw attention from the cameras — prompting him to instinctively hide behind his piano to try and minimise the spectacle.

Instantly, clips of the moment were circulating on X and TikTok, with fans reacting in disbelief, amusement, and bewilderment. Comments ranged from playful support to outright teasing, the kind of internet frenzy that turns an awkward moment into a viral event within minutes.

“This is why you never wear tight trousers to a live national anthem,” one fan joked online. Another teased: “He sang beautifully — but we all know what went down behind that piano!” The hashtag for the clip climbed as millions chimed in with reactions.

In recent years, national anthem performances at the Super Bowl have become cultural moments in their own right — from Chris Stapleton’s powerful 2023 rendition to Jon Batiste’s 2025 performance — and Puth certainly delivered a memorable one.

But for many viewers this year, it wasn’t just his voice that will be remembered.