The Fourth of July, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day are three proudly patriotic holidays. However, you’re missing one—The Super Bowl. Everything about the Super Bowl encompasses the gluttonous glory of American Culture in just under four hours. That being so, and in addition to the game and halftime performance, one of the Super Bowl’s best moments is seemingly always the national anthem.
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Frankly, it is hard to talk about the United States and not talk about football. Thus, the national anthem at the Super Bowl is more than an obligatory moment. Rather, it is a reminder of solidarity, and also, just a bombshell moment to see an A-list musician introduce one of America’s biggest nights. With all that in mind, here are nine of the best Super Bowl national anthem performances that aren’t by Whitney Houston.
Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton’s national anthem performance was so good that he made several grown men cry. Specifically, Philadelphia Eagles head coach, Nick Sirianni. Scoring black sunglasses and a black telecaster, Chris Stapleton brought rock ‘n’ roll back to the Super Bowl. Besides the quality of the performance, it’s simply, just cool.
The Chicks
The Chicks were meant to play in front of a stadium crowd, as their 2003 national anthem performance sang out through the stadium in the purest of ways. Between their flawless harmonies and impeccable vocal control, the Chicks reminded the American masses that the national anthem is more than just an anthem, but a sophisticated piece of music.
Lady Gaga
Just a year prior to her 2017 Super Bowl halftime show, Lady Gaga was the secondary musical act performing the national anthem to kick off the evening. Clearly, Gaga did such a good job with the national anthem that she got an invitation from the NFL to return. Needless to say, her rendition was operatic and exquisite, per usual.
Faith Hill
What better type of musician is there to sing the national anthem than a country singer? Well, it seems the NFL seemingly agrees with that notion as they invited the acclaimed Faith Hill to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl XXXIV. Ironically, Hill is accompanied by Scottish bagpipes and drums, but they made the anthem all the more epic.
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s national anthem performance was special given that it was the first Super Bowl following 9/11. That being so, Carey delivered the patriotic tune most beautifully and commemorated the lives lost on one of America’s biggest unofficial holidays.
Beyoncé
Like Lady Gaga, Beyoncé has performed at the Super Bowl twice. In 2004, Beyoncé sang the national anthem in her home city of Houston, Texas and according to Billboard, she was also given the chance to perform the halftime show. Though, lucky for us, Beyoncé chose the national anthem and cemented herself in NFL history.
Kelly Clarkson
Accompanied by a full-blown choir, Kelly Clarkson’s rendition of the national anthem is one of the more unique performances in Super Bowl history. Like Hill’s, the sentiments and music of the song are completely amplified with the supporting sound. Clarkson and the choir were able to touch every corner of the stadium on that night in 2012.
Billy Joel
In 2007, Billy Joel surprised people across the world by agreeing to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl for a second time. Joel, with his signature piano, sat in the center of the field and proudly sang his country’s anthem with his crystal clear crescendos and delicate touch.
Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson’s booming voice reached every inch of the stadium at the 2009 Super Bowl. Accompanied by an orchestra, Hudson’s voice matched with the beautiful brass painted a decadent and epic picture of American pride and glory.
Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation
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