
Before the whistle blows and the opening kickoff arcs over the field, the Super Bowl starts with a moment that cuts to the core of what it means to be an American: The national anthem. This time-honored tradition can be a defining moment when done right, where pop culture superstardom crosses over with sports, Americana and patriotism.
Over the years “The Star-Spangled Banner” has been performed by a wide array of artists at the Super Bowl, from country music icons to pop superstars. Some have delivered memorable renditions in good ways, while others have (unfortunately) delivered some less-than-stellar performances.