Super Bowl Viewers React To Jon Batiste’s National Anthem Performance
on Feb 09, 2025
Who Has Delivered The Best National Anthem Performance At The Super Bowl?
Following Jon Batiste’s performance of the National Anthem at Super Bowl LIX on Sunday (February 9), fans took to social media to react to the moment.
For the first few years, marching bands, choirs, and musicians performed the National Anthem at the Super Bowl. Country music legend Charley Pride became the first solo artist to perform the National Anthem before “The Big Game,” doing so in 1974.
Since then, artists such as Billy Joel, Jewel, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, and Lady Gaga have followed in his footsteps. Counting Pride, ten country artists, including Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, and Chris Stapleton, have performed the National Anthem at the Super Bowl.
Many people regard Stapleton’s rendition of the National Anthem as one of the all-time best. One of those people is three-time Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce, who said, “There’s just no one even close” to topping Stapleton’s version.
Kelce was in the stadium that day, so he witnessed Stapleton’s performance in person.
RELATED: COUNTRY STARS REACT TO CHRIS STAPLETON’S SUPER BOWL NATIONAL ANTHEM PERFORMANCE
Others argue that Whitney Houston, P!nk, Reba McEntire, and Lady Gaga delivered some of the best National Anthem performances at the Super Bowl. What do people think of this year’s performer, Jon Batiste, in comparison?
NFL Fans React To Jon Batiste’s National Anthem Performance At Super Bowl LIX
Batiste performed while seated at a colorful piano. He delivered a passionate National Anthem, prompting several players to tear up while listening to him sing.
Batiste’s rendition was clearly inspired by the signature sound of New Orleans jazz. Batiste is a native of New Orleans, where Super Bowl LIX was held.
Super Bowl viewers quickly reacted to Jon Batiste’s National Anthem performance on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter). The reactions were mixed—while some felt his version was one of the best they’ve ever heard, others didn’t like the arrangement.
See some fans’ reactions to Batiste’s performance below.
Loved Whitney, but Jon Batiste is very New Orleans.
— pianogal (@pianogal63) February 9, 2025
What a soulful rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” by Jon Batiste! My favorite version since Whitney Houston’s💕💕💕
— Keri (@NotSure010101) February 9, 2025
I like Jon Batiste, but I’m not crazy about jazzing up the National Anthem.
— Mark Sher מרק שר (@mscher001) February 9, 2025
Jon Batiste, if that was his arrangement, it was fantastic.
— WingusDingus (@KellyYo66613636) February 9, 2025
Jon Batiste did really well with the National Anthem.
— Alyse (@mrs_alyse) February 10, 2025
I'm generally a purist when it comes to singing it. But his accents were nicely done.
Jon Batiste had me until he tried to remix the end. Frustrating and unnecessary.
— jon (@jhday3) February 10, 2025
It was a good performance. Jon Batiste's smooth, jazzy version of our National Anthem represented New Orleans well. BRAVO!!
— RedLola2017 (@RedLola2017) February 10, 2025
The Jon Batiste anthem should go down with Hendrix and whoever else you want as the most legendary of all time
— T-Bob Hebert (@TBob53) February 10, 2025
His positive aura is overwhelming, performs with an undeniable joy that can’t help but make you feel
If you missed it, watch Jon Batiste sing the National Anthem in the video below. What did you think of his rendition?
