Amanda Gorman Kicks Off the Super Bowl With a Powerful Poem Honoring Pandemic Heroes

Amanda Gorman is at it again! After making history on Inauguration Day, the 22-year-old became the first poet to perform at the Super Bowl when she recited a piece titled "Chorus of the Captains" during the preshow on Sunday. Gorman once again touched the hearts of viewers as she paid tribute to three community heroes — educator Trimaine Davis, Marine veteran James Martin, and ICU nurse manager Suzie Dorner — for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The three individuals have also been named honorary captains for the Super Bowl by the NFL.

"Today we honor our three captains for their actions and impact in a time of uncertainty and need," Gorman recited. "They've taken the lead, exceeding all expectations and limitations, uplifting their communities and neighbors as leaders, healers, and educators."

Ahead of her performance, Gorman tweeted, "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. I'll honor 3 heroes who exemplify the best of this effort. Here's to them, to poetry, & to a #SuperBowl like no other 💛." In a separate tweet, she added, "I also can't reiterate how exciting it is for me that others are excited to see poetry at a football game. What a time to be alive."

Gorman's year is already off to an exciting start. Following her powerful Inauguration Day performance, Gorman signed a modeling contract with IMG Models and she's currently gearing up for the releases of her two books, The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem For the Country and Change Sings. Check out her moving Super Bowl performance above.