The Superbowl ended with the Kansas City Chiefs securing a win over the San Francisco 49ers Sunday. And quarterback, Patrick Mohomes became the youngest player to win the big game and MVP in NFL history at the age of 24. But it wasn’t the only highlight on the field. Before the game and half-time performance with JLo and Shakira, Demi Lovato belted out the national anthem, much to the liking of the fans in the stadium and those watching. Here are two reasons to like the “Anyone” singer’s performance.

Watching Demi Lovato sing the national anthem made you remember how talented is the 27-year-old singer. Something worth mentioning because it was a little over a year ago, the star suffered a drug overdose and was rushed to the hospital. These headlines can overshadow the true art of the celebrity, making it difficult to focus on why we came to know them in the first place. Lovato, dressed in an all-white jumpsuit, reminded people that what lies beneath the surface is an artist whose voice triumphs any of life’s struggles. Perhaps the color choice signifying a clean slate worth celebrating.

In the years since 1991, many people sang the Star-Spangled Banner, but it was this same year in particular that Whitney Houston “The Voice” set the bar. The late singer’s rendition is regarded as the best there is, and few have come close to topping it. Sunday, Lovato drew favorable comparisons. While we still believe Houston’s performance still reigns supreme, Lavato deserves a worthy nod. Then Houston sang from the depths of her soul amid Americans taking their minds away from the Gulf War and watching the championship game. For Lovato, she delivered a beautifully sung version from her inner space, as if she was giving herself and fans a glimpse into the changed woman she’s become.

For that, we applaud Lovato’s survival on and off life’s playing field.

(Photo: Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)