The Ultimate List: Who Is Singing The National Anthem Now? (The 2025 Performers That Shocked The World)
The question of "who is singing the national anthem" is almost as anticipated as the major sporting event itself, acting as a cultural barometer for who holds the biggest spotlight in music. As of late December 2025, the most talked-about and recent high-profile performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" belongs to the Grammy and Oscar-winning powerhouse, Jon Batiste, whose rendition at Super Bowl LIX set a new standard for musical innovation on the biggest stage.
The tradition of a celebrity performance prior to a major game, particularly the Super Bowl, transforms the patriotic song into a global spectacle, often generating more buzz and analysis than the game's halftime show. This article dives deep into the artists who have recently taken on this monumental task, focusing on the latest and greatest to hold the microphone.
Jon Batiste: The Multi-Talented Star of Super Bowl LIX
The highly-anticipated pre-game show for Super Bowl LIX (59) in February 2025 featured a stunning performance of the national anthem by Jon Batiste. His selection was a nod to his deep musical roots and his status as one of the most innovative artists of his generation. The performance was particularly significant as the game took place in New Orleans, Louisiana, Batiste's hometown, adding an extra layer of emotional resonance to the moment.
Batiste, known for blending jazz, R&B, soul, and gospel, delivered a "reimagined version" of "The Star-Spangled Banner" that showcased his signature style, leaving a lasting impression on millions of viewers. He took the stage at the Caesars Superdome dazzling in 72 carats of diamonds, bringing his unique blend of showmanship and musical genius to the iconic song.
Jon Batiste: Full Biography and Career Profile
Jon Batiste's career trajectory is one of relentless creativity and boundary-pushing artistry. His work spans multiple disciplines, from television to film scoring and critically acclaimed albums.
- Full Name: Jonathan Michael Batiste
- Born: November 11, 1986
- Hometown: Metairie, Louisiana, U.S. (New Orleans area)
- Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Composer, Bandleader, Television Personality, Actor.
- Key Role: Former bandleader and musical director for the house band, Stay Human, on *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert* (2015–2022).
- Major Awards:
- Academy Award (Oscar): Won for Best Original Score for the Pixar film *Soul* (2020), shared with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
- Grammy Awards: A prolific winner, he received 5 Grammys in 2022, including Album of the Year for *We Are*. He has been nominated for over 20 Grammys in total.
- Instrument: Multi-instrumentalist, most notably known for piano and the melodica (which he refers to as the "harmonabord").
- Education: Juilliard School, New York City.
His performance at Super Bowl LIX cemented his status as a mainstream cultural icon, capable of bringing his sophisticated and soulful musicality to the masses. The selection of a New Orleans native like Batiste was a powerful tribute to the city's rich musical heritage, which served as the backdrop for the major championship game.
The Dual Anthem Tradition: Ledisi and The Black National Anthem
While Jon Batiste performed "The Star-Spangled Banner," the 2025 Super Bowl continued a recent and significant tradition by also featuring a performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as the Black National Anthem. This honor was given to another New Orleans native and Grammy-winning soul musician, Ledisi.
Ledisi's powerful rendition of the song, which was written by James Weldon Johnson and set to music by his brother John Rosamond Johnson, took place during the pre-game festivities at the Caesars Superdome. Her performance was lauded for its emotion and vocal depth, highlighting the NFL's ongoing effort to recognize and celebrate Black culture and history during its biggest event. Ledisi, like Batiste, brought a soulful, Grammy-caliber presence to the pre-game show, creating a truly memorable musical opening.
Beyond the Super Bowl: Current and Upcoming National Anthem Performers
The national anthem is performed at hundreds of sporting events and ceremonies every year, but a few recent and upcoming performances stand out for their cultural significance or the prominence of the artist. These performers represent the current landscape of who is being chosen for this high-profile task:
Recent and Noteworthy Performances (Late 2025)
- Irma Thomas (Allstate Sugar Bowl): In late December 2025, the legendary "Soul Queen of New Orleans," Irma Thomas, performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the College Football Playoff Allstate Sugar Bowl. Her selection was another powerful nod to New Orleans' musical royalty, showcasing the enduring power of classic soul and R&B.
- SZN4 (NFL Christmas Day Game): The vocal group SZN4, who gained popularity through their Netflix breakout, performed the national anthem for the Dallas Cowboys' high-profile Christmas Day game against the Washington Commanders. This performance highlighted the growing trend of using streaming and social media stars for major broadcast events.
Future Anticipated Performances (2026)
- BRELAND (MLS All-Star Game): Multi-platinum country artist BRELAND was announced to perform the national anthem at the 2025 MLS All-Star Game in July. His selection reflects the increasing crossover appeal of country music and the MLS's commitment to diverse musical genres.
- Coco Jones (Projected Super Bowl LX): While not fully confirmed, early reports have mentioned Coco Jones as a potential performer for the 2026 Super Bowl LX, following the pattern of selecting major rising stars for the event.
The Pantheon of Iconic National Anthem Performances
Any artist who sings the national anthem at a major event is instantly compared to the legends who came before them. The performance is a high-wire act—a blend of technical skill, emotional delivery, and patriotic fervor—and the pressure to deliver a flawless, memorable moment is immense. Jon Batiste and Ledisi's 2025 performances now join a storied list of iconic renditions.
The gold standard remains Whitney Houston's 1991 performance at Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, Florida. Her version, performed during the Gulf War, was so powerful and technically brilliant that it was released as a single and is widely considered the greatest rendition in history. The performance incorporated elements of jazz, gospel, and blues, setting the benchmark for all future performers.
Other artists who delivered unforgettable moments and form the core of topical authority on this subject include:
- Lady Gaga: Delivered a stunning, technically perfect performance at Super Bowl 50 in 2016.
- Beyoncé: Her 2004 Super Bowl performance was a masterclass in vocal control and power.
- Garth Brooks: Known for his soulful and traditional rendition at Super Bowl XXVII in 1993.
- Demi Lovato: Her powerful and emotional 2020 performance was a major highlight.
- Aretha Franklin: The "Queen of Soul" delivered a memorable performance at Super Bowl XL in 2006 (shared with Aaron Neville and Dr. John).
- Mariah Carey: Her performance at Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002 is often cited for its vocal acrobatics.
Whether it’s the soulful reimagining by Jon Batiste, the powerful call to unity by Ledisi, or the timeless perfection of Whitney Houston, the national anthem remains a critical and highly-scrutinized part of America's biggest cultural moments. The selection of an artist is a statement, and in 2025, that statement was a celebration of New Orleans' profound musical legacy and the diverse, multi-genre talent of its native sons and daughters.
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