Every year, the Super Bowl not only brings thrilling football action but also captivating musical performances. Among the many performances that take place before kickoff, the singing of the national anthem garners the most attention. Over the years, there have been several renditions of ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ that have left a lasting impact on viewers.
Here, we take a look at some of the best Super Bowl national anthem performances that have become iconic in the history of the event:
- Faith Hill (2000)
Faith Hill’s undeniable talent was on full display as she performed the national anthem. Beginning calmly, she gradually built up the excitement, accompanied by drummers and bagpipes. Hill added her own spin on the last lyric, showcasing her vocal prowess. - Cher (1999)
With her extremely recognizable tone, pop icon Cher brought undeniable star power to her national anthem performance. Topping the charts at the time, Cher left her stamp on the song without straying too far from its original rendition. - Lady Gaga (2016)
Known for her extravagant performances, Lady Gaga took a different approach for her national anthem rendition, focusing on her vocals rather than dramatic visuals. She added her own flair at the end, highlighting her ability to hit the high notes. - Luther Vandross (1997)
Classic Luther Vandross delivered the soulful performance expected of him, adding the smoothness the moment required. - Carrie Underwood (2010)
Five years after winning American Idol, country icon Carrie Underwood showcased her impressive vocal range in her national anthem performance. - Kelly Clarkson (2012)
Kelly Clarkson’s rendition proved that a national anthem does not have to be lengthy to make a significant impact. - Jennifer Hudson (2009)
American Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson impressed many with her exceptional vocals ahead of Super Bowl XLIII. - Beyoncé (2004)
Known for her powerful voice, Beyoncé’s national anthem performance showcased her vocal prowess in her hometown of Houston, Texas. - Aretha Franklin and Aaron Neville (2006)
With the legendary Aretha Franklin and native Aaron Neville’s emotional rendition, the 2006 national anthem left a lasting impression on the audience.
These iconic performances have solidified their place in Super Bowl history, leaving an indelible mark on viewers and setting the bar for future national anthem renditions at the event.