10 Iconic Super Bowl Anthem Performances That Will Make You Feel Patriotic All Over Again
As the Superbowl LII approaches, everyone is getting very excited about the Justin Timberlake's halftime performance, and the possibility of an *N'SYNC reunion. It was also announced that pop star Pink has been tapped to sing the national anthem at the event.
While the national anthem doesn't garner as much hype as the halftime show, it does set the tone for the entire event, so there's a lot of pressure on the singer. Over the last few decades, there have been some incredible renditions of the patriotic song.
So let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most unforgettable national anthem performances:
10. Backstreet Boys - 2002
Okay, can we just take a second to acknowledge the fact that Howie was finally given the opportunity to sing lead? Unfortunately, the boys experienced a technical glitch halfway through their performance, but they still did America proud.
9. Dixie Chicks - 2003
Not everyone will agree with this pick because of the controversy that followed the trio shortly after their underrated performance of the anthem, but there's one thing we can all agree on: the three-part harmony is on point.
8. Natalie Cole - 1994
Backed by the Atlanta University Center Chorus, Cole did something that was never done before: she put a gospel spin on the classic song. And of course, she nailed it.
7. Diana Ross - 1982
The always confident Ross ditched the theatrics and opted to show off her smooth vocals with an acapella version. The audience singing along with the star made the entire thing that much better.
6. Cher - 1999
The diva's recognizable contralto voice makes the tough song seem easy to sing. You just can't help but be stunned when she hits that last note.
5. Luther Vandross - 1997
The arrangement was nothing spectacular, but the late R&B star's vocals were effortlessly smooth. His rendition is one of the most underrated anthem performances.
4. Faith Hill - 2000
Accompanied by bag pipes and drums, Hill delivered a performance so good even she knew she killed it. Just keep an eye out for that fist pump at the end of her performance.
3. Mariah Carey - 2002
Two words: Whistle note.
2. Beyonce - 2004
Hours before Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake's infamous incident, Beyonce proved to her hometown of Houston why she’s one of the biggest female artists of our generation with her flawless, ad-lib-filled rendition of the anthem.
1. Whitney Houston -1991
Is it even necessary to explain why the one and only Whitney Houston's take on "The Star Spangled Banner" is the best one ever? I didn't think so.