The NFL’s Championship Weekend isn’t all about football. As fans across the country gather to watch final two games before the Super Bowl, those less interested in the sport can rest assured that there will be some good music that’ll offer a break in the action.
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In 2025, the Washington Commanders will travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles. The NFC teams will welcome Mary Kate “MK” Morrissey to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The stage actress, a Philly native, currently stars in Broadway’s Wicked as Elphaba.
Over in the AFC, the Buffalo Bills will head to Kansas City in an effort to best the Chiefs. While Taylor Swift will likely be the biggest music star at Arrowhead Stadium, other singers will be on hand. Retired United States Navy Petty Officer First Class Generald Wilson will perform the national anthem. Then, during halftime, country duo Big and Rich will take the stage.
Throughout the years, stars have turned out for the big games, leading to performances that were memorable, whether for good or bad. Keep reading for three of the most unforgettable performances of the NFL’s Championship Weekend.
Jimmy Buffett
When Jimmy Buffett sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the 2019 NFC Championship game, his performance itself and his actions immediately after both made headlines. The singer was criticized for his rendition of the national anthem, with people calling it “rough” and “awful” on social media. Things got more controversial at the end, when Buffett capped off his performance with a mic drop.
Things only went downhill from there for Buffett. His lifelong favorite team, the New Orleans Saints, ended up losing to the Los Angeles Rams in overtime. The Rams’ luck ended there, though, as they went on to lose the Super Bowl to the New England Patriots.
Walker Hayes
Back in 2022, Walker Hayes made headlines when he took the stage at halftime of the Kansas City Chiefs’ AFC Championship game against the Cincinnati Bengals. While those in attendance likely enjoyed the country star’s rendition of “Fancy Like,” it’s safe to say the same can’t be said for the game’s broadcasters. As the CBS crew attempted to break down the game, Hayes’ vocals drowned out their voices. That left commentators unable to commentate and viewers at home listening to a mix of yelling talking heads and Hayes’ live vocals.
The technical snafu may have been a bad omen for the home team. Despite an 11-point lead at halftime, the Chiefs lost the game 27-24. The Bengals went on to experience heartbreak in the Super Bowl, as the Los Angeles Rams bested them by three points.
Journey
During the 2024 NFC showdown between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers, Journey took the stage at Levi’s Stadium. The San Francisco-formed band wowed the crowd with halftime performances of “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” “Be Good To Yourself,”and “Any Way You Want It.” However, it was an epic performance of “Don’t Stop Believin’” that stole the show. They made sure to make their allegiance known by changing the song’s iconic first line—”Just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit”—to “Just a city boy, born and raised in San Francisco.”
The lyric change had the desired effected. The Niners beat the Lions 31-34 in the NFC Championship. However, they wound up losing the Super Bowl to the Chiefs in an overtime thriller.
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
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