The Definitive List: Who Sang The National Anthem At The Super Bowl And The 5 Most Iconic Performances
The Super Bowl National Anthem performance is often as anticipated as the game itself, serving as a powerful, emotional, and often controversial kickoff to the biggest night in American sports. For the most recent and upcoming games, the NFL has continued its tradition of selecting powerhouse vocalists who represent diverse musical genres and backgrounds.
As of the current date in December 2025, the most recent performer was country music legend Reba McEntire at Super Bowl LVIII, while the upcoming performer for Super Bowl LIX is the multi-talented New Orleans native, Jon Batiste. This tradition of featuring superstars from different musical worlds ensures the pre-game show remains a must-watch event for millions worldwide.
Super Bowl LIX (2025) and LVIII (2024): The Latest Performers
The selection of the National Anthem performer always generates significant buzz, often highlighting current cultural trends and honoring musical legacies.
Super Bowl LIX (2025) Performer: Jon Batiste
The honor of performing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl LIX in 2025 went to Grammy and Oscar-winning artist Jon Batiste. The New Orleans native was chosen to kick off the game at the Caesars Superdome, which is his hometown. Batiste is celebrated for his eclectic style, blending jazz, R&B, soul, and gospel, promising a unique and powerful rendition of the anthem.
In a continuation of a recent tradition, Batiste will be joined by another celebrated artist. Singer Ledisi is slated to perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as the Black National Anthem, at Super Bowl LIX. This dual performance underscores the NFL’s commitment to recognizing American musical and cultural diversity.
Super Bowl LVIII (2024) Performer: Reba McEntire
At Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, the National Anthem was performed by country music icon Reba McEntire. Known as "The Queen of Country Music," McEntire delivered a classic, powerful rendition of the anthem, marking her first time performing the song at the Super Bowl. Her performance was widely praised for its emotional depth and traditional approach.
Adding another layer to the performance, deaf actor Daniel Durant performed the National Anthem in American Sign Language (ASL) alongside McEntire. Durant, a star from the Oscar-winning film *CODA*, ensured the performance was accessible to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, a practice that has become a standard and important part of the pre-game ceremony.
The Most Iconic and Controversial Super Bowl Anthem Moments
While the National Anthem is a solemn tradition, the high-stakes environment of the Super Bowl has led to some of the most memorable, and occasionally controversial, performances in music history. These moments often become talking points that eclipse the game itself.
- Whitney Houston (Super Bowl XXV, 1991): Often cited as the gold standard, Houston’s rendition is arguably the most iconic performance in Super Bowl history. Performed during the Gulf War, her version was a soaring, gospel-infused masterpiece. Interestingly, the performance was pre-recorded, a fact that was initially controversial but ultimately overshadowed by the sheer quality of her vocal delivery.
- Garth Brooks (Super Bowl XXVII, 1993): Brooks’ performance is famous for the drama *behind* the scenes. He reportedly refused to sing unless a video for his new single was aired, leading to a near walk-out minutes before the game. This incident, combined with the earlier Houston performance, cemented the NFL’s requirement for all National Anthem vocals to be pre-recorded, a rule that has been in place since 1993.
- Christina Aguilera (Super Bowl XLV, 2011): The pop diva made headlines for all the wrong reasons when she famously sang the wrong words to a line of "The Star-Spangled Banner." She mistakenly sang, "What so proudly we watched at the twilight's last streaming," instead of the correct lyric, "O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming." This gaffe became a major news story, proving the immense pressure of the Super Bowl stage.
- Alicia Keys (Super Bowl XLVII, 2013): Keys holds the record for the longest-ever National Anthem performance. Her soulful, drawn-out rendition stretched the song to two minutes and 36 seconds, nearly double the average time. This performance is a key reference point for bettors who place wagers on the length of the anthem, one of the most popular Super Bowl prop bets.
- Billy Joel (Super Bowl XLI, 2007): Joel is one of the few artists to have performed the anthem twice, first in 1989 and again in 2007. His 2007 performance was a masterclass in classic, powerful, and straightforward vocal delivery, reminding audiences that sometimes, the simplest and most traditional approach is the most effective.
A Historical Roll Call: Notable Super Bowl National Anthem Singers
The roster of Super Bowl National Anthem performers reads like a 'who's who' of music history, spanning every genre from opera to pop, country to R&B. This incredible list demonstrates the cultural significance of the event.
Here is a list of notable performers from the past several decades, showcasing the incredible range of talent that has graced the Super Bowl stage:
- 2025 (LIX): Jon Batiste
- 2024 (LVIII): Reba McEntire
- 2023 (LVII): Chris Stapleton
- 2022 (LVI): Mickey Guyton
- 2021 (LV): Eric Church and Jazmine Sullivan
- 2020 (LIV): Demi Lovato
- 2019 (LIII): Gladys Knight
- 2018 (LII): Pink
- 2017 (LI): Luke Bryan
- 2016 (L): Lady Gaga
- 2015 (XLIX): Idina Menzel
- 2014 (XLVIII): Renée Fleming (Opera Singer)
- 2013 (XLVII): Alicia Keys
- 2012 (XLVI): Kelly Clarkson
- 2011 (XLV): Christina Aguilera
- 2010 (XLIV): Carrie Underwood
- 2009 (XLIII): Jennifer Hudson
- 2008 (XLII): Jordin Sparks
- 2007 (XLI): Billy Joel
- 2006 (XL): Aaron Neville and Aretha Franklin
- 2005 (XXXIX): The combined choirs of the U.S. Military Academies
- 1991 (XXV): Whitney Houston
- 1990 (XXIV): Aaron Neville
- 1982 (XVI): Diana Ross
- 1968 (II): Pat Hervey
From the operatic voice of Renée Fleming to the country powerhouse Reba McEntire, and the jazz-infused style of Jon Batiste, the Super Bowl National Anthem continues to be a unique showcase of America’s diverse and incredible musical talent. Each performance adds another chapter to one of the most talked-about moments in sports entertainment.
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