From Charley Pride to Reba McEntire, country music stars have long been a part of the tradition of performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Super Bowl. This iconic moment, which regularly draws over 100 million viewers, is one of the most prestigious and nerve-wracking challenges for any musician. Since the first Super Bowl in 1967, the national anthem performance has grown in prominence, with many rock and pop artists taking the stage. However, country music performers have also made their mark over the years.
Charley Pride was the first solo country singer to perform the national anthem at the Super Bowl in 1974. This historic moment took place just before the Miami Dolphins faced the Minnesota Vikings at Super Bowl VIII in Houston, Texas. The Dolphins triumphed over the Vikings, 24-7, and Pride’s performance set the stage for future country artists to follow.
In 1993, Garth Brooks, riding a wave of unprecedented sales success, performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Super Bowl XXVII at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. That year’s halftime show featured Michael Jackson, and the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Buffalo Bills, 52-17.
Faith Hill took the stage in 2000 to perform the national anthem before Super Bowl XXXIV at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Tennessee Titans faced the St. Louis Rams, with the Rams emerging victorious, 23-16. Hill later recalled the immense pressure of the performance, noting that the presence of her home team, the Titans, helped calm her nerves.
The Chicks, then known as the Dixie Chicks, performed the national anthem at Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California, with the Buccaneers winning 48-21. That year’s halftime show featured Shania Twain, No Doubt, and Sting, making it a memorable event for country music fans.
Carrie Underwood performed the national anthem in 2010 before Super Bowl XLIV at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The New Orleans Saints faced the Indianapolis Colts, with the Saints winning 31-17. Underwood expressed her fear of forgetting the words but delivered a flawless performance.
In 2017, Luke Bryan performed the national anthem at Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The New England Patriots faced the Atlanta Falcons, with the Patriots winning 34-28. Bryan described the experience as nerve-wracking but a dream come true.
Eric Church teamed up with Jazmine Sullivan in 2021 to perform the national anthem before Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida. The Kansas City Chiefs faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with the Buccaneers winning 31-9. The unique rendition by Church and Sullivan was well-received by fans.
Mickey Guyton performed the national anthem in 2022 at Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The Los Angeles Rams faced the Cincinnati Bengals, with the Rams winning 23-20. Guyton’s powerful performance was a highlight of the pre-game show.
In 2023, Chris Stapleton delivered a simple yet powerful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona. The Kansas City Chiefs faced the Philadelphia Eagles, with the Chiefs winning 38-35. Stapleton’s performance was so acclaimed that he released the audio to streaming platforms.
Reba McEntire is set to perform the national anthem at Super Bowl LVIII in 2024, marking a full-circle moment for the country star. McEntire was discovered 50 years ago when she sang the national anthem at the 1974 National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma. Her upcoming performance will be a significant milestone in her illustrious career.
These performances by country music stars have become an integral part of Super Bowl history, showcasing the genre’s talent and patriotism on one of the world’s biggest stages. Each artist brought their unique style and voice to the national anthem, creating memorable moments that resonate with fans long after the game is over.
Source: Billboard, Getty Images
