The Super Bowl is one of the most-watched television events in the United States, and the national anthem performance has become an integral part of the pre-game festivities. Over the years, a diverse range of talented artists have taken on the challenge of singing the national anthem in front of a massive global audience. Let’s take a look at some of the most memorable Super Bowl national anthem singers through the years.
The Early Years (1967-1980)
The first Super Bowl, played in 1967, featured a performance of the national anthem by the University of Arizona and Grambling State University marching bands. In the early years, the anthem was often performed by marching bands or choirs. However, as the Super Bowl gained popularity, organizers began to invite well-known singers to perform.
The Rise of Star Power (1980s-1990s)
The 1980s saw a shift towards more high-profile performers singing the national anthem. One of the most iconic performances of this era was Whitney Houston’s rendition at Super Bowl XXV in 1991. Her powerful voice and flawless delivery set the standard for future performances. Other notable singers from this period include Billy Joel, who sang at Super Bowl XXIII in 1989, and Reba McEntire, who performed at Super Bowl XXIV in 1990.
Modern Era (2000s-Present)
In recent years, the Super Bowl has featured a diverse range of national anthem performers. Some notable performances include Christina Aguilera’s powerful rendition at Super Bowl XLV in 2011, Alicia Keys’ soulful performance at Super Bowl XLVII in 2013, and Lady Gaga’s stirring performance at Super Bowl 50 in 2016. More recent performances include Pink’s rendition at Super Bowl LII in 2018 and Gladys Knight’s performance at Super Bowl LIII in 2019.
A Look Back at the Performers
Here is a list of some of the most notable Super Bowl national anthem singers through the years:
- 1967: University of Arizona and Grambling State University marching bands
- 1989: Billy Joel
- 1990: Reba McEntire
- 1991: Whitney Houston
- 2001: Backstreet Boys
- 2005: Alicia Keys
- 2011: Christina Aguilera
- 2013: Alicia Keys
- 2016: Lady Gaga
- 2018: Pink
- 2019: Gladys Knight
Each year, the Super Bowl national anthem performance is a highly anticipated event, with millions of viewers tuning in to see who will take on the challenge of singing the iconic song.
