For the Super Bowl, everyone has their favorite part. Some love the game itself, others tune in for the commercials, and then there are those of us who are really just here for the Super Bowl snacks. (Guilty!) But there's always one moment that never fails to bring the crowd together: the national anthem. It doesn't matter if you're arguing about your team or busy restocking the party dips and appetizers—when the anthem starts, everyone stops and pays attention. This annual tradition brings together music, emotion, and a sense of unity that sets the tone for the entire night.
Over the years, there have been some seriously unforgettable renditions. Jennifer Hudson blew everyone away in 2009, Lady Gaga brought the drama in 2016, and Chris Stapleton had the whole stadium crying in 2023. Don't even get us started on Whitney Houston’s iconic 1991 performance! Year after year, this tradition never fails to give us goosebumps. This time around, the NFL has chosen a performer who's sure to make the moment just as memorable.
Who is singing the national anthem this year?
The honor of singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl LIX goes to the incredibly talented Jon Batiste. If you're a fan of music that's equal parts heart and soul, you probably already know his name. Batiste is a singer, songwriter, and composer who has won five Grammys, earned 22 nominations, and even taken home an Academy Award. Oh, and did we mention he's from New Orleans?
Batiste's Louisiana roots make him the perfect choice for this year's Super Bowl, which will be held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. He'll be joined by fellow Louisiana artists Trombone Shorty, Lauren Daigle, and Ledisi in a pregame celebration that celebrates the state's rich musical history.
"The Super Bowl is a rare moment to unite fans around the world," Seth Dudowsky, head of music at the NFL, said in a press release. "This year's performers will bring the energy, soul, and vibrant sounds of the region to a global stage, as we kick off Super Bowl LIX with a celebration to remember."
The national anthem really is always the moment that kicks everything into high gear. Whether you'll spend the rest of the night yelling at the TV, hovering by the appetizer table, or shushing everyone during the commercials, the anthem is the one time everyone pauses even if just for two minutes. Speaking of two minutes, what's your over/under? Sound off in the comments!
