The Surprising Star Who Sang The National Anthem At The Super Bowl And The 5 Most Iconic Performances
The Super Bowl National Anthem performance is one of the most-watched and highly scrutinized musical moments in American culture, often generating as much buzz as the game itself. For the most recent championship game, Super Bowl LVIII, the honor of performing "The Star-Spangled Banner" was bestowed upon a country music legend, continuing a long tradition of featuring A-list talent on the world's biggest stage. This pre-game ritual, which took place in February 2024, set the stage for one of the most memorable Super Bowls in recent history, and the performance itself immediately became a topic of discussion among fans and bettors alike.
This article will dive deep into the singer of the most recent Super Bowl National Anthem, explore the fascinating pre-game lineup that included other historic performances, and reveal the records for the longest and shortest renditions of the anthem in Super Bowl history. We’ll also look at the popular "Over/Under" prop bet that turns the performance length into a high-stakes guessing game.
The Super Bowl LVIII National Anthem Performer: Reba McEntire
The National Football League (NFL) announced in January 2024 that country music icon Reba McEntire would perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl LVIII (58) on February 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Reba McEntire: Biography and Profile
- Full Name: Reba Nell McEntire
- Born: March 28, 1955 (age 69 as of late 2025)
- Hometown: McAlester, Oklahoma, U.S.
- Genre: Country, Pop
- Career Highlights: Dubbed "The Queen of Country." She has sold over 75 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling artists of all time. She is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and has won multiple Grammy Awards, CMA Awards, and ACM Awards.
- Acting Career: Starred in the sitcom Reba (2001–2007) and has appeared in numerous films and Broadway productions.
- Super Bowl LVIII Performance Details: McEntire delivered a traditional and powerful rendition of the anthem. She was accompanied by American Sign Language (ASL) performer Daniel Durant, who is an Oscar-winning actor known for his role in the film CODA.
A Historic Pre-Game Lineup
The 2024 pre-game festivities were particularly notable for including performances of two other patriotic songs, emphasizing a broader cultural representation:
- "Lift Every Voice and Sing" (The Black National Anthem): Performed by Grammy-winning R&B singer Andra Day. This marked the fourth consecutive year the song has been included in the Super Bowl pre-game ceremony.
- "America the Beautiful": Performed by multi-platinum recording artist Post Malone. This was Post Malone's first-ever Super Bowl pre-game performance.
The inclusion of these three major performances—"The Star-Spangled Banner," "Lift Every Voice and Sing," and "America the Beautiful"—made Super Bowl LVIII's pre-game a significant cultural moment, setting a new standard for the event's musical diversity.
The Fascinating Prop Bet: Super Bowl National Anthem Over/Under
For many years, the length of the National Anthem performance has been a popular "prop bet" (proposition bet) among casual and serious bettors. The National Anthem Over/Under is typically one of the first bets settled on Super Bowl Sunday. Oddsmakers set a specific time (e.g., 1 minute and 59 seconds), and bettors wager on whether the performance will be *over* (longer) or *under* (shorter) that time.
The performance length is a source of intense speculation, as singers often stretch or shorten notes based on their artistic interpretation, making the final time unpredictable. This betting trend has added a layer of fun and scrutiny to every single note sung.
The Records: Longest and Shortest Super Bowl Anthems
The length of the National Anthem performance is a key metric, and two artists hold the records at opposite ends of the spectrum, providing context for the Over/Under betting line.
The Longest Super Bowl National Anthem
The record for the longest performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at a Super Bowl belongs to Alicia Keys.
- Performer: Alicia Keys
- Super Bowl: XLVII (47) in 2013
- Time: 2 minutes and 36 seconds (2:36).
- Details: Keys, known for her intricate piano work and vocal runs, delivered a highly stylized and extended rendition, stretching the operatic potential of the song. Her performance is the benchmark for the "Over" bet.
The Shortest Super Bowl National Anthem
On the other end, the shortest performance in Super Bowl history is credited to Neil Diamond.
- Performer: Neil Diamond
- Super Bowl: XXI (21) in 1987
- Time: 1 minute and 2 seconds (1:02).
- Details: Diamond's brisk, no-frills rendition of the anthem is a stark contrast to the drawn-out, dramatic versions that have become common in the modern era, setting the record for the "Under" bet.
The 5 Most Iconic Super Bowl National Anthem Performances of All Time
While every performer brings their unique flair, a few renditions have transcended the sporting event to become cultural touchstones. These performances are remembered for their vocal power, historical context, or sheer emotional impact.
1. Whitney Houston (Super Bowl XXV, 1991)
Widely considered the gold standard, Whitney Houston’s performance at Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, Florida, is iconic not just for its flawless vocal delivery but for the moment in time. It took place during the Gulf War, imbuing the song with an intense wave of patriotism. The performance was so well-received that her pre-recorded studio version was released as a single and became a top-20 pop hit, a feat almost unheard of for a national anthem recording. Interestingly, the performance was lip-synced to a vocal track she recorded in a single take, a common practice at the time to mitigate stadium sound issues, though it remains a legendary moment in music history.
2. Garth Brooks (Super Bowl XXVII, 1993)
Country superstar Garth Brooks nearly caused a crisis when he reportedly walked off set minutes before his scheduled performance, threatening to boycott the event due to a contract dispute over his music video airing. He was eventually persuaded to return, delivering a powerful, soulful rendition just moments before kickoff. The near-disaster and his eventual triumph made the performance unforgettable.
3. Lady Gaga (Super Bowl 50, 2016)
In a powerful and relatively traditional performance, Lady Gaga showcased her incredible vocal range and control. Her rendition, which clocked in at about 2 minutes and 22 seconds, was praised for its technical precision and emotional depth, proving her versatility beyond pop theatrics.
4. Beyoncé (Super Bowl XXXVIII, 2004)
Performing in her hometown of Houston, Texas, Beyoncé delivered a soulful and energetic version of the anthem. Her powerful, gospel-tinged performance cemented her status as one of the few artists who can truly command the massive Super Bowl stage.
5. Billy Joel (Super Bowl XLI, 2007)
The "Piano Man" performed the anthem at Super Bowl XLI in Miami, Florida. Joel's performance was notable for its simplicity and respect for the traditional arrangement, offering a refreshing, straightforward take compared to the more elaborate versions of the era. He also previously sang the anthem at Super Bowl XXIII in 1989.
A Complete List of Super Bowl National Anthem Performers (2000-Present)
The Super Bowl National Anthem has seen a diverse array of talent over the last two decades, ranging from pop divas to country legends. Below is a list of the performers since the year 2000, illustrating the star power required for this prestigious slot:
| Super Bowl | Year | Performer | Approx. Time (if notable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIX | 2025 | Jon Batiste | 1:59 (Anthem) |
| LVIII | 2024 | Reba McEntire | 2:09 (Anthem) |
| LVII | 2023 | Chris Stapleton | 2:01 (Anthem) |
| LVI | 2022 | Mickey Guyton | 1:52 (Anthem) |
| LV | 2021 | Eric Church & Jazmine Sullivan | 2:17 (Anthem) |
| LIV | 2020 | Demi Lovato | 1:49 (Anthem) |
| LIII | 2019 | Gladys Knight | 2:01 (Anthem) |
| LII | 2018 | P!nk | 1:52 (Anthem) |
| LI | 2017 | Luke Bryan | 2:04 (Anthem) |
| 50 | 2016 | Lady Gaga | 2:22 (Anthem) |
| XLIX | 2015 | Idina Menzel | 2:04 (Anthem) |
| XLVIII | 2014 | Renee Fleming | 2:03 (Anthem) |
| XLVII | 2013 | Alicia Keys | 2:36 (Record Longest) |
| XLVI | 2012 | Kelly Clarkson | 1:34 (Anthem) |
| XLV | 2011 | Christina Aguilera | 1:54 (Anthem) |
| XLIV | 2010 | Carrie Underwood | 1:47 (Anthem) |
| XLIII | 2009 | Jennifer Hudson | 2:10 (Anthem) |
| XLII | 2008 | Jordin Sparks | 1:54 (Anthem) |
| XLI | 2007 | Billy Joel | 1:30 (Anthem) |
| XL | 2006 | Aretha Franklin & Aaron Neville | 2:08 (Anthem) |
| XXXIX | 2005 | The U.S. Military Academy Glee Club | 1:53 (Anthem) |
| XXXVIII | 2004 | Beyoncé | 2:08 (Anthem) |
| XXXVII | 2003 | Dixie Chicks | 1:46 (Anthem) |
| XXXVI | 2002 | Mariah Carey | 1:56 (Anthem) |
| XXXV | 2001 | Backstreet Boys | 1:49 (Anthem) |
| XXXIV | 2000 | Faith Hill | 2:00 (Anthem) |
The Super Bowl National Anthem remains a unique blend of patriotism, celebrity culture, and high-stakes performance. Whether you're watching for the music, the emotion, or the chance to win a prop bet, the tradition continues to be an essential, unforgettable part of the biggest game in American sports.
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