Across sporting events, the national anthem serves as a powerful symbol of patriotism. Various artists have taken to the stage to deliver their renditions, creating moments that fans remember for years. Below are some notable performances that have left an indelible mark.
Noteworthy Renditions
T-Pain’s Unique Performance
Motley Crue band member Vince Neil performs the national anthem before an arena football game.
Idina Menzel at Super Bowl XLIX
Idina Menzel sang the national anthem at Super Bowl XLIX. “The Star-Spangled Banner” has a challenging melody, and not everybody has been able to deliver it effectively.
Chris Botti’s Heartfelt Performance
Chris Botti’s November 3 performance of the national anthem during a “Monday Night Football” game left one Indianapolis Colts player in tears, with viewers at home calling it one of the best they’ve ever heard.
James Taylor’s America the Beautiful
At the World Series game, James Taylor surprised everyone by leading the stadium in “America the Beautiful” instead of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Roseanne Barr’s Disastrous Rendition
Comedian Roseanne Barr’s disastrous rendition of the national anthem drew almost unanimous boos during a San Diego Padres game.
Whitney Houston’s Iconic Performance
Whitney Houston hit the right notes at Super Bowl XXV in January 1991, stirring Americans’ patriotic feelings during the Persian Gulf War.
Christina Aguilera’s Moment of Forgetting
No stranger to performing the national anthem, Christina Aguilera forgot some of the words at Super Bowl XLV in February 2011.
Cyndi Lauper’s Emotional Performance
Cyndi Lauper flubbed the national anthem during the U.S. Open around the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, expressing her hopes that she didn’t mess up too badly.
Beyonce’s Inauguration Day Performance
Beyonce wowed the nation with her rendition on Inauguration Day in January 2013, later explaining her decision to sing along with a prerecorded track.
Marvin Gaye’s Untraditional Version
Marvin Gaye sang a memorable but untraditional version during the 1983 NBA All-Star Game.
Luke Bryan’s Nervous Performance
Luke Bryan was so nervous that he wrote a few lyrics on his palm before singing at a baseball game, a move that drew attention.
Alexis Normand’s Memory Slip
Canadian singer Alexis Normand made headlines when she forgot the words to “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a hockey game.
