12 Super Bowl National Anthem Performances Throughout the Years

From the first game in 1967 through the early 80s, The Star Spangled Banner was mainly performed by marching bands (and instrumentalists) such as The Pride of Arizona, UCLA Choir, and the Michigan Marching Band, the first performers. However, in 1982, the legendary Diana Ross performed for Super Bowl XVI in Pontiac, Michigan, kicking off a list of music icons who've given us their rendition of the patriotic song. With just a starting note from a piano, Ross sang a cappella!

Houston's rendition of the National Anthem, which incorporated jazz, gospel, and blues elements, is arguably the best performance in Super Bowl History. Her powerful voice and performance served as a beacon of hope to spectators, as the United States had just entered the Persian Gulf War ten days earlier. Unsurprisingly, the Grammy winner’s rendition was released as a single and became a top-20 hit.

Eric Church and Jazmine Sullivan wowed the crowd as a surprising duo. They belted out the National Anthem using blended yet contrasting genres. Church brought forth a classic country sound, while Sullivan added an R&B twist.

The Backstreet Boys were among the most popular groups in the 90s, with great hits and spectacular talent individually and collectively. The group chose the latter when presented with a choice to perform with the halftime show or the pre-kick-off ceremony in Tampa, Florida, where Nick Carter was raised. They remain the first and only boy band to perform the National Anthem at The Super Bowl.

Speaking of groups, how can you highlight one of the most popular boy bands without mentioning a girl's group that holds its own in the music industry? The performance of the Queens of Country, also known as The (formerly Dixie) Chicks, was a masterclass in three-part harmony. It is still one of the most talked about performances in Super Bowl History.

Cher is a powerhouse, and her rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner proved that. Her performance was accompanied by a choreographed group, “Speaking Hands,” which added a unique and dynamic element that the audience enjoyed.

In the words of Queen Bey (who has also taken the stage to sing The National Anthem at the game), Girls Run the World. In a spine-chilling rendition, four-time Grammy-winner Renée Fleming wowed the crowd as the first opera and classical singer ever to sing at the Super Bowl.

Between his guitar accompaniment and soulful yet raspy voice, Chris’ rendition of the National Anthem was a simple yet emotional performance unlike any other we have seen thus far. He was joined by Academy Award-winner Troy Kotsur, who performed an American Sign Language version of the song.

In a way that only Faith can, her version of the National Anthem, backed by bagpipes and drums, worked beautifully. Shortly after 9/11, Faith Hill’s version of The Star Spangled Banner found its way to the county singles chart.

What would a round-up of Super Bowl performances be without Luther Vandross? Luther’s vocals were truly unmatched and instantly commanded attention alongside his stage presence as soon as he stepped to the mic.

This may seem like an unusual entry for best performances, but Best Actress Oscar winner Marlee deserves placement for several reasons. One, very few people have graced the pre-ceremony stage more than once. Billy Joel and Aaron Neville have performed the National Anthem twice. Matlin has done it three times as a dynamic American Sign Language performer alongside Garth Brooks in 1993, Billy Joel in 2007, and Lady Gaga in 2016.

In Super Bowl history, several country music artists have performed the National Anthem, such as Luke Bryan, Reba McEntire, and others noted above. However, in 2022, Mickey Guyton became the first Black female country singer to perform the national anthem at the Super Bowl. Her performance, backed by a choir of vocalists, has been one of the best renditions and easily converted millions into a new fan of hers.