From Grammy-winning recording artists to college marching bands, the “Star-Spangled Banner” has been performed before virtually every Super Bowl since the inaugural game in 1967. The renditions range from jaw-dropping to forgetable. Where will Super Bowl 54 rank among the group?
Here’s a glimpse at the history of national anthem at the Super Bowl, including the best and worst performances all time and a complete list of every singer from 1967 to 2020.
MORE: Super Bowl halftime show history, from best to worst
Who is singing the national anthem at Super Bowl 54?
Demi Lovato is this year’s Super Bowl national anthem singer. Lovato, 27, rose to fame as a tennager by starring in Disney Channel’s “Camp Rock.” She has released six albums, most recently 2017’s “Tell Me You Love Me,” which went platinum. Famous singles of Lovato’s include “Heart Attack,” “Cool for the Summer” and “Sorry Not Sorry,” the last of which peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard charts. She has also battled addiction in recent years.
Christine Sun Kim will sign the national anthem.
Best Super Bowl national anthems
Whitney Houston, Super Bowl XXV
Houston’s rendition of the anthem is regarded by many to be one of, if not the greatest performance in Super Bowl history. People wept in the stands and in front of their televisions, and song itself became a top-20 pop hit after the game. Her performance at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Fla. set the stage for a thrilling game that resulted in a 20-19 victory by the Giants over the Bills.
Beyoncé, Super Bowl XXXVIII
Before the Panthers and Patriots clashed at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Beyoncé sang a national anthem to remeber. The Houston native would go on to perform at halftime of Super Bowls XLVII and 50.
Jennifer Hudson, Super Bowl XLIII
Hudson’s performance kicked off one of the most memorable Super Bowls in recent memory. the Steelers topped the Cardinals 27-23 thanks to a game-winning touchdown catch by Pittsburgh’s Santonio Holmes.
Worst Super Bowl national anthems
Christina Aguilera, Super Bowl XLV
Aguilera is a Grammy-winning artist with an incredible voice. While she was able to hit the notes in impressive fashion, she botched the lyrics about 40 seconds into the performance.
Aretha Franklin, Aaron Neville and Dr. John, Suber Bowl XL
With the Super Bowl between the Seahawks and Steelers in Detroit, it was only fitting that the NFL had Franklin perform the anthem. It was also the first Super Bowl played in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, so New Orleans-natives Neville and John accompanied Franklin. A star-studded lineup of performers should have provided for an awe-inspiring anthem, but it instead wasn’t.
