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Amanda Gorman Reads Stunning Poem At Super Bowl LV Praising Essential Workers — Watch

Amanda Gorman
AP
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady shouts after running on to the field before the NFL Super Bowl 55 football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady kisses wife Gisele Bundchen after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL Super Bowl 55 football game Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. The Buccaneers defeated the Chiefs 31-9 to win the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with his family following the NFL Super Bowl 55 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021 in Tampa, Fla. Tampa Bay won 31-9 to win Super Bowl LV. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with his family following the NFL Super Bowl 55 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021 in Tampa, Fla. Tampa Bay won 31-9 to win Super Bowl LV. (Ben Liebenberg via AP) View Gallery View Gallery 23 Photos.
Political News Editor

Amanda Gorman opened the Super Bowl with another inspiring poem, this time paying tribute to individuals who have ‘taken the lead’ during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman graced us with another breathtaking poem ahead of Super Bowl LV. Gorman’s words rang strong as she addressed the nation with her message about the COVID-19 pandemic. “Today, we honor our three captains and their actions in a time of uncertainty and need,” Gorman began. “They’ve taken the lead, exceeding all expectations, uplifting their communities as neighbors, leaders, and educators.”

She then gave the spotlight to three incredible individuals who did just that: inspired and led their communities while battling an impossible pandemic. Educator Trimaine Davis, nurse manager Suzie Dorner, a nurse, and Marine veteran James Martin were all in Tampa to watch the Super Bowl in person, along with over 7000 more first responders. “Poetry at the Super Bowl is a feat for art & our country, because it means we’re thinking imaginatively about human connection even when we feel siloed,” Gorman tweeted before the game.

Gorman gained national attention after reading a remarkable piece of poetry at President Joe Biden‘s inauguration on January 20. Prior to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris being sworn into office, Gorman stood at a lectern in front of the Capitol rotunda and read “The Hill We Climb,” a poem about the insurrection that had happened there just two weeks prior:

“We’ve seen a force that would shatter our nation rather than share it,” Amanda recited. “Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy. And this effort very nearly succeeded. But while democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated.” Gorman, an accomplished and award-winning poet, almost immediately became a household name.

Amanda Gorman reads an incredible poem at Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration, 1/20/21 (AP)

Gorman is the United States’ first Youth Poet Laureate and has read for prominent politicians and entertainers like former First Lady Michelle Obama and Lin-Manuel Miranda. She had a connection with both of them at the inauguration. “The Hill We Climb” contained a subtle nod to Lin’s Hamilton. Gorman also later said on Ellen that she was near the Obamas in the audience and told a hilarious anecdote about FLOTUS “yelling” at husband Barack Obama to stop hugging so many people.