Singing “The Star Spangled Banner” during the Super Bowl is one of the greatest honors that a performer can have in their career. Other than performing during the halftime show, singing the National Anthem is a highly coveted spot for entertainers. Although the complete version of our nation's nnthem is replete with racial connotations and has sparked protests by professional athletes such as Colin Kaepernick and Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, singing the National Anthem has become a major part of the Super Bowl tradition.
Over the years, there have been some great and not-so-great renditions of the Anthem. To give you the best of the best, here are the top 5 Super Bowl National Anthem performances of all Ttime.
1. Whitney Houston at Super Bowl XXV in 1991
Whitney Houston cemented her status as one of the greatest vocalists ever in her performance at Super Bowl XXV. Wearing a white tracksuit and matching headband, Houston rose to the occasion. Sung at Tampa Bay Stadium during the Persian Gulf War, Houston wowed the audience as they waved American flags in honor of the troops who were in battle. Released as a charity single, Houston’s rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" peaked at #6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA. Without question, Houston’s rendition is the best of all time.
2. Jennifer Hudson at Super Bowl XLIII in 2009
During Super Bowl XLIII at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Jennifer Hudson had a heavy heart and was grieving. Just a few months earlier, she lost her mother, brother and nephew in a devastating family tragedy. If she would have decided to skip the performance, it would have been understandable but Hudson used the moment to let her emotions speak to the world. Showing extreme determination, Hudson belted out a powerful rendition of the National Anthem conveying raw emotion. It was simply unforgettable.
3. Beyoncé at Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004
Regarded as one of the greatest living entertainers, Beyoncé proved her vocal ability with an amazing performance at XXXVIII. Performed in her hometown of Houston at the Reliant Stadium, Bey thrilled the audience in attendance and the millions watching on TV with a flawless version of the "Star Spangled Banner."
4. Mariah Carey at Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002
Mariah Carey performed a beautiful version of the National Anthem just a few months after 9/11. Accompanied by the Boston Pops Orchestra, Carey captured the spirit of the moment and galvanized the country after the recent tragedy. With her signature high-octave range, Mimi united everyone in the New Orleans Superdome and beyond with her impeccable performance.
5. Luther Vandross at Super Bowl XXXI in 1997
If anyone can turn the National Anthem into something reminiscent of a quiet-storm slow jam it would be Luther Vandross with his velvet voice. As only he could, Vandross transformed “The Star Spangled Banner” into a soul-stirring ballad. With his legendary smooth vocal delivery, he effortlessly controlled each note, holding everyone in attendance at the New Orleans Superdome under his spell.
