Just because you’re an ultra-talented global celebrity doesn’t mean you’re a shoo-in for an amazing gig. In fact, even stars have to apply to jobs, just like the rest of us. Just ask Charlie Puth, who’ll be singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl LX Sunday night.
It shows how humility fuels success for even someone at the top of their game—in this case, a dream opportunity for one of pop’s biggest stars on entertainment’s biggest stage.
In a recent Rolling Stone interview, the “We Don’t Talk Anymore” singer spoke frankly last month about how he applied and auditioned to sing the national anthem, and how he’s elated for the gig.
He shared that performing the national anthem at the Super Bowl was a dream goal and seemed like he didn’t expect any preferential treatment: “I applied. I auditioned for it, but I made up my own audition because I’ve always wanted to do it.” He adds, “because I love it musically,” he told the magazine: “It’s the best song. Musically, it’s so special.”
“I actually have always wanted to do this, and I recorded a little demo, just me singing with the Rhodes and sent it to Roc Nation. I’ve been told Jay-Z loved it, and it got Goodell and they all said that I could do it,” the 34-year-old said.
The New Jersey native is a prime example of how even high-achievers and applicants at the height of their industry audition or apply for jobs. It’s that blend of humility and experience that can lead people to great things: Humility can be a very impressive personality trait, and the kind of authenticity that shows in Puth’s Rolling Stone answers is the kind that tells a hiring manager you’re grateful for the opportunity, and communicates real passion. There’s even research to back up that humility is a trait that can make you a more desirable candidate for a job.
Puth kept that humility when talking about iconic Super Bowl performances from the past: “I’m going to be inspired by what Whitney did, but I can’t ever touch what she did,” he told Rolling Stone. “I just wanna show people that I can do it. I feel like people don’t really think of me as, like, a stand-alone vocalist at times.”
To channel your inner Charlie Puth humility, try these strategies:
Balance it with confidence: That’s especially the case for leaders. Have trust in your talents, but also be adaptable, empathetic, and open to learning from other people in your field.
Model it for others: Sometimes deciding to be a model of supportive collaboration, trustful integrity, and taking responsibility can bring out your inner humility, which others can in turn learn from and be inspired by.
Talk less about yourself: An easy way to unlock inner humility, this also helps you not compare yourself too much to others.
Another element of a professional business persona is not to respond negatively to those who aren’t happy with your achievements.
Puth responded with grace on X back in December after a snide social media post from a doubter. Striking a diplomatic tone, he wrote: “I’ll never claim to be as good of a singer as Whitney Houston ever was. But I assure you we’re putting a really special arrangement together—in D major. It’ll be one of my best vocal performances.”