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League: NFLSport: FootballCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

Chris Stapleton, Cindy Blackman Santana, and Ludacris perform MNF opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 14, 2026, 11:45 PM

Last updated Sep 14, 2026

Chris Stapleton, Cindy Blackman Santana, and Ludacris perform MNF opener
Summary

The 2026 NFL season's first Monday Night Football game features a new intro song led by Chris Stapleton, Cindy Blackman Santana, and rapper Ludacris. This performance marks the fourth season for Stapleton and Blackman Santana, while Ludacris joins for the first time with an original verse. The refreshed rendition of Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight" debuts in the opener for the Kansas City Chiefs versus Denver Broncos matchup on September 14. Snoop Dogg, who featured in the original 2023 version, does not appear this season.

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Yahoo Sports
By the Numbers
  • •The game between the Chiefs and Broncos kicks off at 8 p.m. ET.
  • •Ludacris opens the intro with an original verse for 2026.
  • •Chris Stapleton and Cindy Blackman Santana return for their fourth season.
  • •The theme is based on Phil Collins' 1981 hit song.
Latest Updates
  • 11:45 PMYahoo Sports — Who sings the 'Monday Night Football' song? 2026 MNF performers
What they're saying
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Who sings the Monday Night Football song? Meet the performers behind ESPN's "In the Air Tonight" intro for the 2026 NFL season.

Related Teams & Leagues
Kansas City ChiefsDenver BroncosNFLFootball

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