Jon Batiste Delivers Passionate National Anthem Performance At Super Bowl LIX
on Feb 09, 2025
Meet Jon Batiste, The Grammy-Winning Singer Who Performed The National Anthem At Super Bowl LIX
Many artists dream of performing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl, and this year, Jon Batiste made that dream come true for himself.
Jon Batiste was born on November 11, 1986, in Metairie, Louisiana, which is part of the New Orleans metro area. He grew up in a family of legendary musicians, including Lionel Batiste, Milton Batiste, and Russell Batiste Jr. He started playing drums in his family’s band when he was only eight years old.
At age 11, Batiste switched to playing the piano and took classical lessons for seven years. He released his debut album at age 17, and his career has taken off since then.
Batiste’s biggest hit is his 2021 single, “Freedom,” which reached the fourth spot on the U.S. Digital Songs Sales chart. Beyond his solo career, he is known for working with iconic acts such as Willie Nelson, Alicia Keys, Michael Bublé, and Ed Sheeran.
RELATED: CHARLEY PRIDE WAS THE FIRST SOLO ARTIST TO SING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM BEFORE THE SUPER BOWL
Batiste also served as the bandleader and musical director on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert from 2015 to 2022. Additionally, he co-composed the score for the 2020 movie Soul, which earned him an Oscar, a Grammy, a BAFTA Film Award, and a Golden Globe.
He has seven Grammys in total, two of which he earned at the 2025 Grammy Awards just one week ago, on February 2. He and his wife, Suleika Jaouad, won the awards for their documentary film American Symphony, which follows Batiste on his journey of composing his first symphony.
However, Batiste and Jaouad watched the ceremony from home. Jaouad was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2011, and the cancer returned in 2021. Then, it returned for a second time in 2024.
“We’re so honored to win the Grammy for Best Music Film (and also for Song Written For Visual Media too!)” Batiste shared on Instagram after their recent Grammy wins. “We couldn’t make it to the ceremony but we’re beaming love from our couch to yours, and sending gratitude to all who made this film possible.”
Batiste Hoped To Honor His Grandfather With His National Anthem Performance
Batiste was full of gratitude after the Grammys and heading into the Super Bowl. He spoke with ET about singing the National Anthem at “The Big Game,” which was held in his home state.
The singer also shared how he hoped to honor his late grandfather through his performance.
Batiste’s grandfather passed away in 2024. He remembered him in a poignant tribute, writing:
“Rest in power Granddad…A spiritual giant, family man, legendary community leader, activist and historic American. Words won’t do it justice. Maybe when I write my first book. He is the blueprint, a profound example. A true man of God.”
During his interview with ET, Batiste said his grandfather was one of his “great mentors.” He was a veteran who served in the Navy shortly after it was desegregated. “He was the best of this country,” Batiste said.
When the reporter told Batiste his grandfather would be proud if he could see his National Anthem performance at the Super Bowl, he said, “He will see; he will be in the other realm.”
Batiste finally took to the field to sing the National Anthem in New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome prior to the kickoff of Super Bowl LIX on February 9.
Seated at his colorful piano, Batiste poured into a passionate, uplifting rendition of the National Anthem.
The camera cut to show several players with tears in their eyes as they listened to Batiste sing. Chris Jones from the Chiefs could be seen wiping away tears with a tissue.
The camera also showed President Trump watching in the crowd. He was the first sitting president to ever attend the Super Bowl.
Batiste’s performance ended with a Marine Corps flyover, adding even further to the patriotic spirit of the moment.
Tune in to the video below to see Jon Batiste sing the National Anthem at Super Bowl LIX. What did you think of his performance?
