See All the Super Bowl National Anthem Singers Through the Years (Including the Music Icon Who Started the Tradition in 1982!)

Whitney Houston sings the U.S. national anthem during the pregame show at Super Bowl XXV on Jan. 27, 1991; Reba McEntire performs the U.S. national anthem prior to Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 2024 — Left: Whitney Houston sings the U.S. national anthem during the pregame show at Super Bowl XXV on Jan. 27, 1991; Right: Reba McEntire performs the U.S. national anthem prior to Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 2024. Photo: Michael Zagaris/Getty; Perry Knotts/Getty

Belting out the national anthem at the Super Bowl is no easy gig, but there’s no better way to kick off America’s most-watched event than with a soaring opener. (Cue the flyovers!)

Originally performed by marching bands and instrumentalists, “The Star-Spangled Banner” became a platform for major artists in 1982, when Diana Ross sang the notoriously tricky song in Pontiac, Mich. Since then, the anthem has been a pregame tradition for the Super Bowl, with each performer adding their own spin to the patriotic classic.

In November 2024, the NFL announced that the song would be performed for Super Bowl 2025 by New Orleans native and Grammy-winning musician Jon Batiste. As he told Entertainment Tonight during a January 2025 interview, he’s planning “an arrangement that lasts the test of time.”

Here’s a look back at the famous singers who’ve tackled the anthem over the years.

1982: Diana Ross

Diana Ross sings the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XVI at Silverdome Stadium in Detroit 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 entertainer sang a capella for the crowd while decked out in a bedazzled tracksuit and red headband, keeping her iconic hair in check.

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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, becoming the first male pop artist to perform it at the Super Bowl.

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.” Lasting just 62 seconds, it remains the shortest national anthem performance in Super Bowl history.

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1989: Billy Joel

Billy Joel wears sunglasses while performing onstage in N.Y.C. in 1989.Nancie Hemminger/Ebet Roberts Photography/Redferns

Billy Joel took on this challenging tune without the comfort of his keys, performing it a cappella. However, in the end, the crowd became The Piano Man’s instrument!

1990: Aaron Neville

Aaron Neville in Central Park in N.Y.C. on Nov. 8, 2000.Ebet Roberts/Redferns

At Super Bowl XXIV, Grammy-winning singer Aaron Neville performed solo for the national anthem — wearing his signature St. Jude medal earring on his left ear.

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1991: Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston sings the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XXV at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 27, 1991.Michael Zagaris/Getty Images

Widely considered the most iconic national anthem performance of all time, Whitney Houston‘s 1991 rendition took place during the Persian Gulf War and aired as the first globally televised Super Bowl. While Houston delivered a powerful live performance at Tampa Stadium, audiences at home heard a pre-recorded version.

1992: Harry Connick Jr.

Harry Connick Jr. sings the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minn., on Jan. 26, 1992.Focus on Sport/Getty Images

Before the Big Game at Super Bowl XXVI, jazz virtuoso Harry Connick Jr. brought his signature charm and delivered a smooth rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” in a sleek black suit and tie.

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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

Garth Brooks sang the national anthem for Super Bowl XXVII — 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.

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, delivering the second-longest Super Bowl national anthems at two minutes and 33 seconds — weaving in a few lyrics of “America the Beautiful” for some extra patriotism.

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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 country-loving pride with a beautiful performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl XXX.

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.

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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.

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

Cher brought her powerhouse vocals to Miami’s Pro Player Stadium when she sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the kickoff at Super Bowl XXXIII.

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.

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 headlining 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 2021. “And for us, we got the choice, and we passed on the halftime. But it was a memorable experience for everyone.”

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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, so it was only natural for the superstar to incorporate her signature whistle tones in “The Star-Spangled Banner” for Super Bowl XXXVI.

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.

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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.

Then, still earning her stripes as a solo performer, Beyoncé gave a powerhouse performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at her hometown stadium in Houston for Super Bowl XXXVIII.

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2006: Aretha Franklin & 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 for a second time, partnering with the “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin and having Dr. John on piano.

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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 his second round.

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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! Jordin Sparks sang “The Star Spangled Banner” at the Super Bowl the year after she was crowned the winner of American Idol.

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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 winners, the NFL tapped future EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson to showcase her vocal chops with a national anthem performance at the Super Bowl.

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2010: Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood sings the U.S. national anthem onstage during Super Bowl XLIV at the 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.

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2011: Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera sings the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XLV at the 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.”

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2012: Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson and a children's choir sing the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl XLVI at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Feb. 5, 2012 — 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 got to perform the patriotic tune at the Super Bowl in 2012, with a children’s choir providing background vocals.

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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.

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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.

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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 vocals when she sang the national anthem before kickoff.

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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 — 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.

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 traumatizing 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.”

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.

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 in her hometown of Atlanta. 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.

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2020: Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato performs the U.S. national anthem before Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Feb. 2, 2020 — 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 drug overdose in 2018, Demi Lovato made a triumphant return — belting out the national anthem at Super Bowl LIV.

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.

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.

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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

Chris 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.

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2024: Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire performs at the 2024 Super Bowl — Reba McEntire performs the U.S. national anthem during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nev., on Feb. 11, 2024.CBS

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.