Coco Jones says she leans on an unusual vocal prep trick she picked up from the late Whitney Houston to calm her nerves and “oil” her voice before big shows. The 28-year-old singer said the method helps her steady herself ahead of one of the biggest stages in entertainment.
Jones spoke at a Super Bowl LX press event Thursday in Santa Clara, where she is set to sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” during the pregame program on Feb. 8. The moment marks one of her highest-profile performances to date.
Salty Ritual Before Every Show
The singer, known for her Grammy-winning work and hits like “ICU,” said she has a pre-performance routine that might surprise fans. “Jumping around, for sure,” Jones said with a smile. “I get very antsy right before a performance. It’s a little weird, you know?”
Jones said she uses physical movement to shake out nervous energy. Then she reaches for a bag of salty chips — specifically Lay’s — because of advice she once heard attributed to Houston, who was widely regarded as one of the greatest vocalists in pop history. “Also, randomly, I do like to eat Lay’s chips before I sing,” Jones said. “Whitney Houston said that it makes your voice more oiled and loose, so now I just do it all the time.”
“Whitney said it, I’m going with it,” she added with a laugh. “I do eat a couple of Lay’s chips.”
Experts generally advise singers to avoid salty foods before performing, saying they can dehydrate vocal cords. Jones’ comment sparked chatter online, though she insisted the ritual works for her.
Jones said she feels “some nerves” about the Super Bowl appearance, calling it “pretty much the top of the top” for artists. “This is one of the most highly-viewed events of all time,” she said. “Maybe my wedding will be up there. Maybe.”
Her mother, she said, has been “at a loss for words” in anticipation of the performance. “She’s super, super excited,” Jones said. “I feel like I’ve had so many moments where I’ve sang at games that opened doors for me to be here.”
She called the opportunity “full circle,” connecting earlier career milestones to this moment on the national stage.
Jones is currently engaged to NBA star Donovan Mitchell and has seen her music career grow steadily, including a Grammy win and wider mainstream acclaim.
As press day wrapped, Jones acknowledged her nerves and her unconventional preparation with humor. “It’s so much adrenaline,” she said. “You just gotta know me to know what’s going on.”