The 5 Longest, Shortest, And Most Controversial Super Bowl National Anthem Performances (UPDATED 2025)

Every year, the Super Bowl's national anthem performance is one of the most highly anticipated, and heavily debated, moments of the entire broadcast. It’s a high-pressure stage where a single vocal flourish or a moment of hesitation can become instant sports history, a viral clip, or even the subject of a massive betting swing. As of December 10, 2025, the focus is squarely on the upcoming Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, which is set to feature a star-studded lineup that continues the tradition of musical excellence and, for the first time, a unique New Orleans flavor.

The pre-game entertainment for the Super Bowl has evolved into a mini-concert event, now featuring not just "The Star-Spangled Banner," but also "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and "America the Beautiful." This year’s choices reflect the NFL's commitment to showcasing diverse musical talent and honoring the host city's rich heritage, setting the stage for one of the most memorable pre-game shows in recent memory.

Super Bowl LIX Anthem Performers and Pre-Game Lineup (2025)

The 2025 Super Bowl LIX, held in New Orleans, Louisiana, has announced a powerful lineup of artists for the pre-game ceremonies, continuing the trend of featuring multiple significant musical performances before the main event.

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• National Anthem ("The Star-Spangled Banner"): Jon Batiste

The main honor of performing the U.S. National Anthem goes to the multi-talented, Grammy and Oscar-winning artist and New Orleans native, Jon Batiste. Batiste, known for his eclectic blend of jazz, R&B, and gospel, brings a unique, soulful energy to the performance. His rendition will be interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) by Stephanie Nogueras.

• "Lift Every Voice and Sing" ("The Black National Anthem"): Ledisi

The tradition of performing "Lift Every Voice and Sing" before the game will be carried on by the acclaimed R&B and jazz singer, Ledisi. This hymn, often referred to as "The Black National Anthem," has become a staple of the Super Bowl pre-game show since its introduction in 2020.

• "America the Beautiful" Performers: Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle

Adding a distinctly New Orleans and Louisiana flavor to the pre-game, "America the Beautiful" will be performed by a duo: the legendary jazz and funk musician Trombone Shorty, and Grammy-winning Christian music star Lauren Daigle. This pairing highlights the diverse musical landscape of the host city.

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The Shocking Truth About Super Bowl Anthem Vocals

Despite the immense pressure and the live television spectacle, one of the most surprising facts about the Super Bowl national anthem is that the vocals are almost always pre-recorded. This long-standing practice is a safeguard against technical glitches and ensures the quality of the performance for the massive global audience.

The NFL has required national anthem vocals to be pre-recorded since 1993. The mandate came following a notable incident involving country music superstar Garth Brooks, who initially declined to pre-record his vocals for Super Bowl XXVII. While he ultimately performed live, the potential for a live broadcast disaster led the league to implement the pre-recording rule as a standard procedure for all future performers.

However, it is important to note that the artists do sing live on the field. The pre-recorded track is simply a backup, and many performers choose to sing over it, giving their rendition a live feel while ensuring a perfect, broadcast-ready sound. This technical detail is a critical piece of Super Bowl lore and a key factor in the famous betting prop bets.

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The Super Bowl National Anthem Length: A High-Stakes Betting Phenomenon

For millions of fans and bettors, the length of the national anthem performance—the time from the first note to the final "brave"—is a major point of interest. This "Over/Under" prop bet has become a Super Bowl tradition, with the average length since 2020 hovering around 119.5 seconds (1 minute, 59.5 seconds). The performer's style—whether they draw out the notes or keep a brisk tempo—can make or break a bet.

Here is a look at the history-making performances, from the drawn-out, powerful renditions to the surprisingly quick versions.

The 3 Longest Super Bowl National Anthem Performances

These performances are known for their dramatic flair, vocal acrobatics, and extended run times, forever setting the bar for the "Over" bettors:

1. Alicia Keys (Super Bowl XLVII, 2013): 2 Minutes, 36 Seconds (2:36)
   Alicia Keys holds the all-time record for the longest Super Bowl national anthem. Her powerful, piano-driven rendition featured numerous extended notes and a slow, deliberate tempo, stretching the song to an unmatched two minutes and 36 seconds.
2. Natalie Cole (Super Bowl XXVIII, 1994): 2 Minutes, 33 Seconds (2:33)
   Performing in Atlanta, Natalie Cole's soulful and intricate version remains one of the longest in history, just shy of Keys' record.
3. Garth Brooks (Super Bowl XXVII, 1993): 2 Minutes, 27 Seconds (2:27)
   The performance that led to the pre-recording rule, Garth Brooks' rendition was also a marathon. It was a dramatic, country-rock infused performance that pushed the boundaries of the song's length.

The 3 Shortest Super Bowl National Anthem Performances

These performers favored a quick, traditional, and straightforward approach, delighting "Under" bettors and setting records for efficiency:

1. Neil Diamond (Super Bowl XXI, 1987): 1 Minute, 2 Seconds (1:02)
   Neil Diamond’s 1987 performance is widely cited as the shortest in Super Bowl history. His brisk, no-frills rendition clocked in at a mere 62 seconds, a stark contrast to the modern average.
2. Billy Joel (Super Bowl XLI, 2007): 1 Minute, 30 Seconds (1:30)
   While Neil Diamond holds the all-time record, Billy Joel's 2007 performance is often cited as the shortest in the modern era, coming in at a tight 90 seconds.
3. Reba McEntire (Super Bowl LVIII, 2024): 1 Minute, 35 Seconds (1:35)
   The most recent short performance belongs to country legend Reba McEntire, whose version for the 2024 Super Bowl clocked in at a quick 95 seconds, beating the "Under" for many bettors.

The Pantheon of Iconic Super Bowl Anthem Singers

Beyond the time clock, certain performers have delivered renditions that are simply unforgettable, setting a standard for vocal power and emotional delivery.

• Whitney Houston (Super Bowl XXV, 1991): Widely considered the gold standard, Houston's performance during the Gulf War remains arguably the most iconic and emotionally resonant rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" in history. Her powerful, gospel-infused delivery is often the benchmark for all others.
• Beyoncé (Super Bowl XXXVIII, 2004): Before her legendary halftime show, Beyoncé delivered a stunning, powerful rendition that solidified her status as a vocal powerhouse on the biggest stage.
• Lady Gaga (Super Bowl 50, 2016): Known for her incredible vocal range, Lady Gaga delivered a surprisingly traditional yet flawless and powerful performance that earned universal praise.
• P!nk (Super Bowl LII, 2018): Despite battling the flu, P!nk delivered a raw, soaring, and passionate performance, instantly joining the ranks of the most memorable.
• Chris Stapleton (Super Bowl LVII, 2023): The country singer's soulful, bluesy, and slightly unconventional take on the anthem was a massive hit, earning critical acclaim and a huge emotional reaction from the players and crowd.

From the controversy of pre-recording to the high-stakes betting on performance length, the Super Bowl national anthem is a cultural phenomenon that is as much a part of the game as the touchdowns and the halftime show. With Jon Batiste, Ledisi, Trombone Shorty, and Lauren Daigle set to take the stage at Super Bowl LIX, the next chapter of this unique tradition is ready to be written.