The Ultimate List: Who Sang The National Anthem At The Super Bowl—From Reba McEntire To Jon Batiste And The 5 Most Iconic Renditions

The Super Bowl National Anthem performance is one of the most prestigious and high-pressure stages in music, setting the tone for the biggest annual sporting event in the world. Every year, millions tune in specifically to see which superstar will deliver the stirring rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner." As of December 18, 2025, the excitement is building for the next performance, while the memory of the last remains fresh in fans' minds. This article will reveal the latest performers and dive deep into the history of this iconic pre-game tradition.

The honor of performing the national anthem is a coveted spot, often marking a career highlight for the chosen artist. From country legends to pop icons and jazz virtuosos, the NFL consistently selects performers who can command the global spotlight. We have the confirmed details for the upcoming Super Bowl LIX and the full breakdown of the last performance at Super Bowl LVIII.

Super Bowl LIX National Anthem Singer: Jon Batiste Takes Center Stage

The anticipation for the next Super Bowl is already high, and the performer of "The Star-Spangled Banner" has been officially announced. The artist chosen for the honor at Super Bowl LIX is the incredibly talented Jon Batiste.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

• Event: Super Bowl LIX (59)
• Performer: Jon Batiste
• Date: Expected February 2026 (Date is based on typical Super Bowl scheduling)
• Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
• Significance: Batiste, a five-time Grammy Award winner and Oscar winner, is a native of Metairie, Louisiana, making his performance a powerful "hometown hero" moment in New Orleans.
• Other Honors: Batiste won the Album of the Year Grammy in 2022 for We Are and an Academy Award for Best Original Score for the Pixar film Soul.

Batiste's selection continues the trend of choosing artists with immense musical depth and a unique style. His background in jazz, R&B, and soul promises a truly memorable and distinctive rendition of the national anthem. The performance is expected to be one of the most talked-about moments of the pre-game festivities.

The Most Recent Performance: Reba McEntire at Super Bowl LVIII

The most recent Super Bowl, Super Bowl LVIII, featured a legendary performance by one of country music's biggest stars, Reba McEntire. Her rendition was widely praised for its classic, powerful, and respectful delivery, cementing her place in the history of Super Bowl anthem singers.

• Event: Super Bowl LVIII (58)
• Performer: Reba McEntire
• Date: February 11, 2024
• Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
• Full-Circle Moment: McEntire's appearance was a significant moment in her career, as she was famously discovered 50 years prior while singing the national anthem at the National Rodeo in Oklahoma.
• Other Pre-Game Performers: McEntire was joined by Post Malone, who sang "America the Beautiful," and Andra Day, who performed "Lift Every Voice and Sing."

Reba McEntire’s performance showcased the timeless power of "The Star-Spangled Banner" when delivered by a seasoned vocalist. Her clear, strong voice resonated throughout Allegiant Stadium, providing a perfect kickoff to the championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

The 5 Most Iconic Super Bowl National Anthem Performances in History

While every artist who steps onto the Super Bowl stage delivers a unique performance, some renditions transcend the moment, becoming cultural touchstones. These performances are often judged on their vocal power, emotional resonance, and the historical context of the event. Here are five of the most iconic Super Bowl national anthem performances that continue to be celebrated today.

1. Whitney Houston (Super Bowl XXV, 1991)

Widely considered the gold standard, Whitney Houston’s performance at Super Bowl XXV is arguably the greatest rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" ever recorded.

• Context: The performance took place during the Gulf War, adding a layer of profound patriotism and emotion to the moment.
• Impact: Houston’s soaring vocals and powerful arrangement were so impactful that her recording was released as a single and became a chart hit.
• Legacy: It set an impossibly high bar for all subsequent performers and remains the most referenced performance in Super Bowl history.

2. Lady Gaga (Super Bowl 50, 2016)

Lady Gaga’s performance was a masterclass in vocal control and emotional delivery. Dressed in a striking red suit, she delivered a technically flawless and deeply moving rendition that silenced any critics who doubted her ability to tackle a traditional arrangement.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

Her powerful, operatic approach showcased her incredible range and solidified her status as a generational talent, proving that a modern pop star could deliver a classical performance with gravitas.

3. Marvin Gaye (NBA All-Star Game, 1983 - An Honorary Mention)

Although not a Super Bowl performance, Marvin Gaye's soulful, R&B-infused rendition at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game is often brought up in any discussion of iconic anthem performances. It broke the mold, adding a unique, slow-groove interpretation that influenced many future performers across all sports. While he never performed at the Super Bowl, his legacy is felt in the modern, personalized approach many artists take.

4. Billy Joel (Super Bowl XLI, 2007)

Billy Joel holds the unique distinction of being one of the few artists to perform the national anthem at the Super Bowl twice (XXIII in 1988 and XLI in 2007). His 2007 piano-driven rendition was a classic, straightforward, and powerful performance. It stood out for its simplicity and the sheer star power of the "Piano Man" himself, proving that sometimes, a traditional approach from a musical legend is all that's needed.

5. Demi Lovato (Super Bowl LIV, 2020)

Demi Lovato delivered a stunning and emotionally charged performance at Super Bowl LIV. Her powerful belt and impressive vocal runs showcased her immense talent, earning widespread critical acclaim. Coming off a personal hiatus, the performance was a triumphant return to the spotlight, making it memorable not just for the quality of the singing but for the emotional journey of the artist.

Historical Super Bowl National Anthem Facts and Trivia

The tradition of the Super Bowl national anthem is rich with fascinating facts and trivia that add to the spectacle of the event. Understanding the history provides a greater appreciation for the pressure and prestige of the performance.

The Longest and Shortest Performances

The length of the performance is a popular betting prop, known as the "anthem over/under." While official times can be debated based on when the clock starts and stops, the longest known performance is often attributed to Alicia Keys at Super Bowl XLVII in 2013, clocking in at over two minutes and 35 seconds. On the shorter side, the fastest renditions are typically under 1 minute and 30 seconds, often delivered by military choirs or instrumentalists in the early years of the Super Bowl.

The Only Super Bowl Without the Anthem

The U.S. national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," has been performed at every Super Bowl except for one: Super Bowl I in 1967. That inaugural game instead featured the trumpeters of the University of Arizona and the University of Michigan performing the anthem. The tradition of a major, named artist singing the anthem really took off in the 1970s and 80s.

Multiple Performance Club

Only a handful of artists have had the honor of singing the anthem more than once. The list includes legends such as Billy Joel (XXIII and XLI) and Aaron Neville (XXIV and XXXIX). Beyoncé also performed at Super Bowl XXXVIII and returned for the Halftime Show at Super Bowl XLVII.

The Rise of "America the Beautiful"

Since Super Bowl XLIII in 2009, the performance of "America the Beautiful" has often preceded "The Star-Spangled Banner." This addition has provided another prestigious pre-game slot, recently filled by artists like Post Malone (LVIII) and H.E.R. (LV), enriching the musical tribute to the nation before the game begins.

The Pressure of Live Television

The Super Bowl performance is a live, one-take moment in front of a global audience of over 100 million people. This pressure has led to a few memorable moments, including Christina Aguilera's flub of a line at Super Bowl XLV in 2011. These rare moments only highlight the immense difficulty of delivering a perfect performance under such intense scrutiny.

From the soulful jazz of Jon Batiste at the upcoming Super Bowl LIX to the country twang of Reba McEntire at LVIII, and the iconic, soaring vocals of Whitney Houston at XXV, the Super Bowl National Anthem performance remains a powerful, must-watch moment that transcends the sport itself.