You Won't Believe What Happened During These 12 Super Bowl National Anthem Performances!

The Super Bowl, America’s grandest sporting event, isn’t just about football; it's also a moment where music and patriotism collide spectacularly. Over the years, the National Anthem has been performed by a myriad of iconic artists, each bringing their own unique flair to the tradition. Here's a look back at some of the most memorable renditions of "The Star-Spangled Banner" from Super Bowl history.

In 1982, at Super Bowl XVI held at the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan, legendary singer Diana Ross took to the stage. Prior to this moment, performances of the National Anthem were primarily by marching bands and choirs. Ross broke the mold by singing a cappella, starting with just a few notes from a piano, setting the stage for a new era of star-studded performances.

Fast forward to 1991, Whitney Houston delivered a rendition at Super Bowl XXV in Tampa Stadium that is often regarded as the best in Super Bowl history. Combining elements of jazz, gospel, and blues, her performance came just ten days after the U.S. entered the Persian Gulf War, resonating deeply with a nation in turmoil. This performance was so powerful that it was later released as a single and became a top-20 hit.

In 1997, during Super Bowl XXXI at the Superdome, Luther Vandross graced the stage. His commanding vocal presence and charisma captivated the audience, reinforcing his status as one of the best vocalists of his era. Vandross’s performance added yet another layer of emotion to a cherished tradition.

Two years later, in 1999, Cher performed at Super Bowl XXXIII in Pro Player Stadium, showcasing her powerhouse vocals alongside a choreographed group known as “Speaking Hands.” This dynamic addition offered a unique visual and auditory experience for viewers and attendees alike.

In 2000, Faith Hill infused her country sound into the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXXIV in the Georgia Dome. Performing with bagpipes and drums, her rendition became a chart-topping hit shortly after the events of September 11, 2001, further solidifying the song’s emotional significance in American culture.

The following year, the Backstreet Boys became the first boy band to perform the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXXV in Raymond James Stadium. Choosing the pre-kickoff ceremony over the halftime show, their performance showcased the group's harmonies and solidified their legacy as a pop culture phenomenon.

In 2003, the Dixie Chicks delivered a stirring performance at Super Bowl XXXVII in Qualcomm Stadium. Renowned for their vocal prowess, their three-part harmony made a lasting impression, and it remains one of the most memorable performances in the event's history.

Fast forward to 2014, when Renée Fleming, a four-time Grammy-winning opera singer, became the first classical artist to sing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl during Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium. Her spine-chilling rendition showcased a different musical dimension to the traditional anthem.

Additionally, Marlee Matlin distinguished herself by performing the National Anthem three times, utilizing American Sign Language alongside artists such as Garth Brooks in 1993, Billy Joel in 2007, and Lady Gaga in 2016. This inclusion highlighted accessibility and representation in a major national event.

In Super Bowl LV in 2021, Jazmine Sullivan and Eric Church captivated audiences with a genre-blending rendition that combined R&B and country, illustrating the evolving landscape of music at the Super Bowl. Sullivan’s powerful vocals paired with Church’s classic sound created a harmonious blend that resonated with fans across genres.

In 2022, Mickey Guyton made history as the first Black female country artist to perform the National Anthem at the Super Bowl, delivering a moving performance at SoFi Stadium backed by a choir. Her rendition was celebrated for its emotional depth and further opened doors for diverse representation in country music.

Most recently, at Super Bowl LVII in 2023, Chris Stapleton delivered a soulful rendition that stood out for its simplicity and emotional resonance. Accompanied by Academy Award-winner Troy Kotsur, who performed an American Sign Language version, Stapleton’s performance underscored the ongoing evolution of the National Anthem tradition at the Super Bowl.

These performances not only celebrate the richness of American music but also reflect the changing cultural landscape. As the Super Bowl continues to draw viewers from around the world, the artists who sing the National Anthem play a pivotal role in shaping the emotional tone of the event, making their contributions unforgettable.