See All the Super Bowl National Anthem Singers Through the Years (Including the Music Icon Who Started the Tradition in 1982!)
- - See All the Super Bowl National Anthem Singers Through the Years (Including the Music Icon Who Started the Tradition in 1982!)
Kate Hogan, James Mercadante, Emily KrauserFebruary 8, 2026 at 8:30 AM
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Whitney Houston sings the U.S. national anthem during the pre-game show at Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 27, 1991; Reba McEntire performs the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Feb. 11, 2024
Michael Zagaris/Getty; Perry Knotts/Getty
The Super Bowl has one very patriotic kick-off before the main event even begins: the national anthem.
Some of America's biggest names have sung "The Star-Spangled Banner," but that wasn't always the case. Marching bands and instrumentalists made up the bulk of national anthem performers before Diana Ross took on the notoriously tricky song in 1982, kicking off the Super Bowl's "broad stripes and bright stars" pop star era.
Since Ross' performance in Michigan, the anthem has become a pregame Super Bowl tradition, with each performer adding their own spin to the patriotic classic.
At the 2026 Super Bowl on Feb. 8, Charlie Puth will become the second New Jersey native, after the late Whitney Houston, to belt out the national anthem.
In addition to Ross, Houston and Stapleton, here's a look back at all of the superstar singers who've tackled the anthem through the years.
01 of 39
1982: Diana Ross
Diana Ross sings the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XVI at Silverdome Stadium in Pontiac, Mich., on Jan. 24, 1982
Getty Images
"The Boss" singer became the first pop star ever to perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the Super Bowl. The Detroit native sang a capella at her hometown stadium while decked out in a bedazzled tracksuit and red headband, keeping her iconic hair in check. She would return to the Super Bowl stage in 1996 as the halftime performer.
02 of 39
1984: Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow performs the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XVIII at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 22, 1984
Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Barry Manilow sang his heart out during the national anthem in Tampa, Fla., becoming the first male pop artist to perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the Super Bowl.
03 of 39
1987: Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond sings the U.S. national anthem prior to Super Bowl XXI at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 26, 1987
Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Neil Diamond kept it brief with a no-frills rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Lasting just 62 seconds, his take remains the shortest national anthem performance in Super Bowl history.
04 of 39
1989: Billy Joel
Billy Joel wears sunglasses while performing onstage in New York City in 1989
Nancie Hemminger/Ebet Roberts Photography/Redferns
Performing a capella, Billy Joel took on the challenging tune without the comfort of his keys. In the end, the crowd became The Piano Man's instrument!
05 of 39
1990: Aaron Neville
Aaron Neville is photographed in Central Park in N.Y.C. on Nov. 8, 2000
Ebet Roberts/Redferns
At Super Bowl XXIV in New Orleans, Grammy-winning singer Aaron Neville performed solo for the national anthem while wearing his signature St. Jude medal earring on his left ear.
06 of 39
1991: Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston sings the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XXV at Tampa Stadium in Tampa on Jan. 27, 1991
Michael Zagaris/Getty Images
Widely considered the most iconic national anthem performance of all time, Houston's 1991 rendition took place during the Persian Gulf War and aired as part of the first globally televised Super Bowl. While Houston delivered a powerful live performance at Tampa Stadium, audiences at home heard a pre-recorded version.
07 of 39
1992: Harry Connick Jr.
Harry Connick Jr. sings the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome in Minneapolis on Jan. 26, 1992
Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Before Super Bowl XXVI kicked off in Minneapolis, jazz virtuoso Harry Connick Jr. brought his signature charm as he delivered a smooth rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" in a sleek black suit and tie.
08 of 39
1993: Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks sings the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XXVII at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 31, 1993
George Rose/Getty Images
When Garth Brooks sang the national anthem for Super Bowl XXVII, he was accompanied by deaf actress Marlee Matlin, who signed in American Sign Language (ASL).
Per Taste of Country, the country music star reportedly almost backed out over a dispute about airing his controversial "We Shall Be Free" video, ultimately reshaping the rules for Super Bowl performers.
09 of 39
1994: Natalie Cole
Natalie Cole sings the U.S. national anthem before the Super Bowl XXVIII at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Jan. 30, 1994
Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Natalie Cole and her backing choir took their time in the spotlight. At the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, she delivered the second-longest Super Bowl national anthem performance at two minutes and 33 seconds, weaving in some lyrics from "America the Beautiful" for extra patriotism.
10 of 39
1996: Vanessa Williams
Vanessa Williams sings the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XXX at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., on Jan. 28, 1996 getty
Dressed in a white skirt suit, Vanessa Williams showed her American pride with a beautiful performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XXX.
The crowd reaction was very different from when she performed the national anthem at an NBA game in London in January 2026 and was heckled — the Memphis Grizzlies were taking on the Orlando Magic amid President Donald Trump's pursuit of acquiring Greenland.
11 of 39
1997: Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross sings the U.S. national anthem for Super Bowl XXXI at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans on Jan. 26, 1997
Don Emmert/AFP via Getty Images
Late R&B legend Luther Vandross delivered a soulful rendition of the national anthem for Super Bowl XXXI, where the Green Bay Packers went on to beat the New England Patriots.
12 of 39
1998: Jewel
Jewel sings the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XXXII at the Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on Jan. 25, 1998
Getty Images
What do you get when you mix the colors of the American flag? Purple! Grammy-nominated singer Jewel kept it simple in a solid lavender top while performing the national anthem at Super Bowl XXXII.
13 of 39
1999: Cher
Cher sings the U.S. national anthem at Super Bowl XXXIII at Pro Player Stadium in Miami on Jan. 31, 1999
Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
You gotta "believe" in Cher! The pop icon brought her powerhouse vocals to Miami's Pro Player Stadium when she sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the Super Bowl XXXIII kickoff.
14 of 39
2000: Faith Hill
Faith Hill sings the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XXXIV at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Jan. 30, 2000.
Jeff Haynes/AFP via Getty Images
Faith Hill performed a stunning version of the national anthem at Super Bowl XXXIV, becoming the third country artist to take the honor. (The first was singer Charley Pride in 1974.)
15 of 39
2001: Backstreet Boys
From left: Nick Carter, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson and Howie Dorough of Backstreet Boys sing the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XXXV at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla,. on Jan. 28, 2001
KMazur/WireImage
Though they turned down the offer to headline the halftime show in 2001, the Backstreet Boys agreed to sing the national anthem before kickoff, becoming the first pop group to do so.
"At the time we came from the era of, we loved the Whitney Houston rendition of the national anthem," Nick Carter told Entertainment Tonight in June 2021. "And for us, we got the choice, and we passed on the halftime. But it was a memorable experience for everyone."
16 of 39
2002: Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey performs the U.S. national anthem at Super Bowl XXXVI at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 3, 2002
Frank Micelotta/ImageDirect
Mariah Carey is arguably one of the greatest vocalists ever, so it was only natural for the superstar to incorporate her signature whistle tones into "The Star-Spangled Banner" for Super Bowl XXXVI.
17 of 39
2003: The Chicks
From left: Emily Strayer, Natalie Maines and Martie Maguire of The Chicks perform the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XXXVII at the Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on Jan. 26, 2003
Al Bello/Getty Images
The Chicks (formerly the Dixie Chicks) made history as the first all-female group to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl, delivering a performance filled with seamless harmonies.
18 of 39
2004: Beyoncé
Beyoncé sings the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XXXVIII at the Reliant Stadium in Houston on Feb. 1, 2004
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc.
Still earning her stripes as a solo performer in 2004, Beyoncé gave a powerhouse performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at her hometown stadium in Houston for Super Bowl XXXVIII.
19 of 39
2006: Aretha Franklin and Aaron Neville
Aretha Franklin and Aaron Neville sing the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XL at Ford Field in Detroit on Feb. 5, 2006.
Bob Rosato/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images
Neville returned to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl in Detroit for a second time, partnering with the "Queen of Soul," Aretha Franklin. They were joined on piano by Neville's fellow New Orleans native Dr. John, making the moment a tribute to the Big Easy less than six months after the region was devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
20 of 39
2007: Billy Joel
Billy Joel performs the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XLI at the Dolphin Stadium in Miami on Feb. 4, 2007.
Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Becoming the only solo performer to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl twice, Joel got to bring out his instrument of choice for round two. His second rendition lasted 90 seconds, according to Rolling Stone.
21 of 39
2008: Jordin Sparks
Jordin Sparks sings the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XLII at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 3, 2008 Theo Wargor/WireImage
This performance has stuck with us just like a tattoo! The year after being crowned the winner of American Idol, Jordin Sparks — daughter of retired NFL pro Phillippi Sparks — sang "The Star Spangled Banner" at her hometown stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
22 of 39
2009: Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson performs the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Feb. 1, 2009 Jamie Squire/Getty
Keeping up with their streak of American Idol champs, the NFL tapped future EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson to showcase her vocal chops with a national anthem performance at Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa.
23 of 39
2010: Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood sings the U.S. national anthem onstage during Super Bowl XLIV at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Feb. 7, 2010
Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images
In 2010, Carrie Underwood became the third consecutive Idol winner to perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the Super Bowl kickoff.
24 of 39
2011: Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera sings the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Feb. 6, 2011 Ronald Martinez/Getty
Christina Aguilera is undeniably a massively talented vocalist, so hitting all the right notes while performing the national anthem was a given. However, she did stumble on a few lyrics — turning "O'er the ramparts we watched" into something that sounded like "What so proudly we washed."
25 of 39
2012: Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson and a children's choir sing the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Feb. 5, 2012
Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
Following in the footsteps of other American Idol victors, the OG champ Kelly Clarkson performed the patriotic tune at the Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, with a children's choir providing background vocals.
26 of 39
2013: Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys sings the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 3, 2013
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Surpassing Cole's record, Alicia Keys gave the longest performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" in Super Bowl history, stretching the song to two minutes and 36 seconds.
27 of 39
2014: Renée Fleming
Renée Fleming sings the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Feb. 2, 2014 Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Grammy-winning opera singer Renée Fleming captivated millions with her powerful rendition of the national anthem prior to Super Bowl XLVIII in New Jersey.
28 of 39
2015: Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel sings the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XLIX at the University of Phoenix stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 1, 2015
Al Tielemans/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images
Tony winner Idina Menzel wowed the crowd with her Broadway chops when she sang the national anthem before kickoff time in Arizona.
29 of 39
2016: Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga sings the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Feb. 7, 2016
Simon Bruty/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images
A year before she headlined the Super Bowl halftime show, Lady Gaga performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the pregame festivities for Super Bowl 50, wearing a red pantsuit and red glitter eyeshadow.
30 of 39
2017: Luke Bryan
Luke Bryan performs the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium in Houston on Feb. 5, 2017
Elsa/Getty Images
Country singer Luke Bryan didn't have the safety net of a pre-taped recording when he sang the national anthem before the match-up between the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons at Super Bowl LI.
During a 2019 appearance on The Tonight Show, Bryan recounted the experience to host Jimmy Fallon.
"You either get the anthem right, or you don't," Bryan said before adding, "I did it where I actually went out there and performed it without pre-taping it or anything."
31 of 39
2018: Pink
Pink performs the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Feb. 4, 2018
TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images
Raise your glass to Pink, who powered through the national anthem despite battling the flu. Her professionalism didn't go unnoticed, as her celebrity peers took to social media to praise her performance and call her the "real MVP" of the night.
32 of 39
2019: Gladys Knight
Gladys Knight sings the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz stadium in Atlanta on Feb. 3, 2019
Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
Grammy winner Gladys Knight delivered an unforgettable rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl LIII. Ahead of her performance, Knight expressed her gratitude for the opportunity.
"I am proud to use my voice to unite and represent our country in my hometown of Atlanta," the legendary singer said in a statement released by the NFL.
33 of 39
2020: Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato performs the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Feb. 2, 2020
Al Diaz/Miami Herald/ribune News Service via Getty Images
In one of her first performances since her 2018 drug overdose, Demi Lovato made a triumphant return to the stage, belting out the national anthem at Super Bowl LIV in Florida.
34 of 39
2021: Eric Church & Jazmine Sullivan
Eric Church and Jazmine Sullivan perform the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Feb. 7, 2021 David J Phillip/AP/Shutterstock
Country artist Eric Church and R&B powerhouse Jazmine Sullivan joined forces for a one-of-a-kind take on the national anthem, blending their respective styles into a moving display of unity.
Church had previously said he would "never sing the national anthem" unless asked to do so for the Super Bowl, which he never thought would happen.
When he was tapped for the Big Game, Church was hesitant — until hearing Sullivan's voice.
"And then I heard her, and I'm not missing a chance to sing with her. And that was it," he told Kelleigh Bannen on Apple Music Country's Today's Country Radio in 2021. "Once I heard her voice, I said, 'Okay, I'm in.' "
35 of 39
2022: Mickey Guyton
Mickey Guyton sings the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Feb. 13, 2022
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation
Wearing all blue, Mickey Guyton kicked off Super Bowl LVI by crooning "The Star-Spangled Banner," backed by a choir dressed in all white. She followed that pinch-me moment with one more: meeting Prince Harry, who attended with cousin Princess Eugenie, in what appeared to be a VIP section of SoFi Stadium.
Guyton shared a photo of herself next to the masked Duke of Sussex on Instagram, writing in the caption, "I met Prince Harry. He was just lovely. I even curtsied in my track suit."
36 of 39
2023: Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton performs the U.S. national anthem at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 12, 2023
Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images
Stapleton helped commence Super Bowl LVII with a national anthem performance, marking the third consecutive year a country singer held the honor. Troy Kotsur — the Oscar-winning actor who starred in 2021's CODA — signed the anthem in ASL alongside Stapleton.
The Grammy winner's performance brought many to tears, including Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
37 of 39
2024: Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire performs the U.S. national anthem during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Feb. 11, 2024
Reba McEntire brought her signature country twang for the national anthem, dazzling a crowd of millions in bedazzled black jeans and a shimmering metallic beige blazer.
38 of 39
2025: Jon Batiste
Jon Batiste performs the national anthem onstage before Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9, 2025
Cindy Ord/Getty
Louisiana native Jon Batiste received a warm reception in his hometown (he's from Metairie, La., a suburb of New Orleans) for his jazzy rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."
The Grammy-winning musician played a paint-spattered piano — painted by his wife, journalist and author Suleika Jaouad — as he donned 72 carats worth of diamonds.
39 of 39
2026: Charlie Puth
Charlie Puth performs at the Global Citizen Festival: Amazonia in Brazil on Nov. 1, 2025
THIAGO GOMES/AFP via Getty
Puth will perform the national anthem at the 2026 Super Bowl in California, with the "Changes" singer revealing to Rolling Stone that he auditioned for the gig.
"I actually have always wanted to do this, and I recorded a little demo, just me singing with the Rhodes, and sent it to Roc Nation. I've been told Jay-Z loved it, and it got to [NFL Commissioner Roger] Goodell, and they all said that I could do it," he told the publication in January 2026.
He later added, "I applied. I auditioned for it, but I made up my own audition because I've always wanted to do it — because I love it musically. It's the best song. Musically, it's so special."
There was some backlash after Puth was announced as the national anthem singer.
However, he responded to critics on X (formerly Twitter) in December 2025, writing, "I'll never claim to be as good of a singer as Whitney Houston ever was. But I assure you we're putting a really special arrangement together — in D major. It'll be one of my best vocal performances."
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
