Inside the Art of Choosing Who Sings the National Anthem At Major Sporting Events
Categoria: Musica
It’s notoriously one of the hardest songs to sing, and the pressure can be immense. Who chooses the right singer for the country’s No. 1 hit?
Por Billboard | 23/07/2026
It’s a daunting task that takes place at every major U.S. sporting event: Before any athlete hits the field, a performer sings “The Star-Spangled Banner.” There have been iconic, inspirational versions of The National Anthem, like Whitney Houston ’s soaring rendering at the 1991 Super Bowl, which stands out as the definitive version, followed closely by Lady Gaga ’s towering take at the 2016 Super Bowl and Chris Stapleton ’s soulful rendition at the 2023 game. There are also ones that didn’t fare as well and show why it can be a risky endeavor for an artist to attempt, such as Fergie ’s questionable interpretation at the 2020 NBA All-Star Game or Steven Tyler ’s overwrought go at the 2012 AFC Championship. It’s a high-profile, often nerve-wracking assignment that, these days, is immediately lionized or demonized via social media and lives online forever. Related Top 11 Super Bowl National Anthem Performances Desiigner Arrested on Domestic Violence Charge in South Carolina DJ Quik Says His Son 'Made a Mistake' Following Murder Conviction, Pleads With Fans to Stop Asking About It With the NBA Finals, the World Cup and the MLB All-Star Game all occurring within recent weeks, a smorgasbord of popular artists — including soulful pop singer Tori Kelly , multi-platinum country-pop duo Dan+ Shay , powerful country/R&B performer Mickey Guyton , R&B legend Patti LaBelle and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson — have all delivered stirring renditions of The National Anthem. “Singing the National Anthem at the World Cup was one of the [most] surreal experiences of our entire career,” says Dan + Shay’s Dan Smyers, noting the June 12 World Cup match between the U.S. and Paraguay was the first time they performed the song, despite having been asked previously. Adding to the nerves is the event’s high celebrity quotient. As the pair were singing a cappella, they looked up at the Jumbotron to see Tom Cruise standing with David Beckham and singing along. “I saw them and almost lost it,” Smyers says. So how do major sporting events find the right match? When looking for a performer, it is no surprise that vocal ability “has got to be at the top of the list,” says Seth Dudowsky , the National Football League’s former head of music who is now executive vp/head of sports and live content at Jesse Collins Entertainment. JCE produces major television events, including entertainment for sporting events like the Super Bowl. “It’s one of the hardest songs there is to sing, and it’s also one [where] artists need to feel confident going in. Depending upon when and where it is, the Anthem is a great way for leagues and events to be able to tie in local representation or memorialize a holiday or anniversary.” For example, JCE picked hometown girl LaBelle to perform at the July 14 game in Philadelphia. “When we look for a National Anthem singer, whether it’s the Super Bowl or another tentpole like the Draft, we’re looking for an artist w