The 5 Most Shocking Super Bowl National Anthem Moments: From Jon Batiste To Whitney Houston's Secret

The Super Bowl National Anthem is far more than just a song; it is a high-stakes, highly scrutinized cultural event that kicks off the biggest sporting spectacle in America. As of the current date, December 10, 2025, the buzz is still fresh from the announcement of the latest performer, and the conversation is always dominated by who can deliver a moment of pure, unadulterated patriotic power without falling victim to the intense pressure.

Every year, millions tune in to watch the pre-game ceremony, with the performer instantly becoming part of a legendary—and often controversial—history. From the record-breaking vocal runs to the political statements and even secret lip-syncing scandals, the anthem is a spectacle with its own drama that often overshadows the game itself. This deep dive explores the latest news, the most iconic performances, and the shocking secrets that define the Super Bowl's opening act.

The Latest Anthem Stars: Super Bowl LIX (2025) and LVIII (2024)

The selection of the Super Bowl National Anthem singer is a closely guarded secret and a massive honor in the music world. The NFL consistently chooses artists who can command the global stage, often balancing contemporary appeal with a sense of traditional gravitas.

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Super Bowl LIX: Jon Batiste Takes the Stage

For the most recent event, Super Bowl LIX, the honor of performing "The Star-Spangled Banner" was given to the multi-talented musician and New Orleans native, Jon Batiste. Batiste is a seven-time Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and composer, known for his eclectic style that blends jazz, R&B, and classical music. His selection was seen as a nod to both musical excellence and the rich cultural heritage of the host city, New Orleans.

• Performer: Jon Batiste
• Song: "The Star-Spangled Banner"
• Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
• Additional Performance: Ledisi performed "Lift Every Voice and Sing" (often referred to as the Black National Anthem) at the same event.

Super Bowl LVIII: Reba McEntire's Country Classic

The previous year's performance at Super Bowl LVIII featured a country music legend. Reba McEntire, known simply as Reba, delivered a powerful and traditional rendition of the anthem. Her performance was widely praised for its emotional depth, with many noting how it moved players and fans alike.

• Performer: Reba McEntire
• Song: "The Star-Spangled Banner"
• Location: Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada
• Additional Performance: Andra Day performed "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at Super Bowl LVIII.

The Most Iconic and Shocking Super Bowl National Anthem Performances

While every performance is memorable, a select few have transcended the game to become cultural touchstones, often due to their sheer vocal power or the controversy they generated.

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1. Whitney Houston (Super Bowl XXV, 1991) – The Secret Lip Sync

Whitney Houston’s 1991 rendition, performed during the Gulf War, is universally regarded as the greatest Super Bowl National Anthem performance in history. It set an impossibly high standard, blending jazz, gospel, and blues elements into a stunning vocal showcase.

The shocking truth, however, is that Houston’s performance was pre-recorded—or "lip-synced"—due to the immense pressure and technical difficulties of performing live in a stadium environment. While the vocal track was recorded in a single, flawless take, the revelation sparked a massive debate about authenticity, though it did little to diminish the performance’s legendary status.

2. Alicia Keys (Super Bowl XLVII, 2013) – The Record-Breaking Length

The length of the Super Bowl National Anthem has become a massive betting market, with sportsbooks offering over/under odds on the performance duration. The longest recorded anthem in Super Bowl history belongs to Alicia Keys, who delivered a soulful, piano-accompanied version at Super Bowl XLVII.

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Keys' performance clocked in at a staggering 2 minutes and 36 seconds. This extended duration, filled with vocal runs and dramatic pauses, is a key piece of trivia and a source of anxiety for bettors every year. The average performance length is typically around 1 minute and 50 seconds.

3. Garth Brooks (Super Bowl XXVII, 1993) – The Standoff

Following the Houston controversy, the pressure was on for artists to perform truly live. Country star Garth Brooks was scheduled to sing the anthem in 1993. However, just 45 minutes before he was due on stage, Brooks reportedly walked out, demanding that his latest music video be aired during the pre-game show. This bold move forced NBC's hand, and they complied. Brooks returned to deliver a live performance, solidifying his reputation for boldness and adding another layer of backstage drama to the anthem's history.

The Political Battleground: Controversies and the Anthem

The National Anthem at the Super Bowl is inherently political, serving as a massive platform for patriotism and, increasingly, social commentary. In recent years, two issues have dominated the discussion, adding significant topical authority to the event.

The "Lift Every Voice and Sing" Debate

Starting in 2021, the NFL began including a performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as the Black National Anthem, as part of the pre-game festivities. This addition, performed by artists like Ledisi (LIX) and Andra Day (LVIII), has been a source of significant controversy.

While many view the inclusion as a necessary step toward racial unity and recognition, conservative fans and commentators have argued that the song is unnecessarily political and divisive. This debate has led to calls for boycotts and sparked heated discussions online, demonstrating the deep cultural rift surrounding the Super Bowl pre-game show.

The Kneeling Controversy and Colin Kaepernick

The most enduring political controversy surrounding the anthem stems from former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who began kneeling during the anthem in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police brutality. While Kaepernick was not a Super Bowl performer, his actions made the anthem a focal point of the "culture wars."

President Donald Trump and others heavily criticized the act of kneeling, arguing it disrespected the military and the flag. Conversely, supporters viewed it as a necessary, peaceful protest. The legacy of Kaepernick's silent protest means that any performer or player's actions during the anthem are scrutinized for political meaning, making the moment a charged symbol of national division and unity.

The Pressure of Performance and The Star-Spangled Banner

The Super Bowl National Anthem is arguably the most difficult singing gig in the world. The combination of live television, a stadium full of 70,000+ people, and the song's notoriously wide vocal range creates unparalleled pressure. This is why the lip-syncing controversy with Whitney Houston persists—the technical demands are extreme.

Performers like Jon Batiste, Reba McEntire, and past legends such as Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Billy Joel must navigate not only the song's complexity but also the expectations of millions of viewers, knowing that a single missed note or controversial moment will be replayed and analyzed for years to come. The Super Bowl National Anthem remains a unique cultural phenomenon: a brief, two-minute window where music, patriotism, politics, and betting all converge into one unforgettable moment.