Jon Batiste Sings Jazzy National Anthem at Super Bowl: Watch

Jem Aswad

9 February 2025 at 6:36 pm·2-min read

Anyone seeking a stellar example of seven-time Grammy winner Jon Batiste’s talent need look no further than his rendition of the National Anthem before the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Stationed on a platform at midfield behind a white grand piano with multicolored psychedelic swishes pained on it, Batiste sang an innovative and bluesy but respectful take on the song, adding flourishes on the piano as he played gently with the traditional phrasing. In line with the New Orleans theme of the evening’s entertainment, he added a jazzy vamp on the song’s finale, stretching out the “land of the free” segment with some soaring singing.

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Watch it here: https://x.com/NFL/status/1888733157123359147

Batiste headlined the Super Bowl LIX pre-game entertainment with Trombone Shorty, Lauren Daigle and Ledisi. All four performers are New Orleans natives, selected for embodying the musical and cultural heritage of the city. Trombone Shorty performed “America the Beautiful” with Grammy Award-winning vocalist Lauren Daigle; Ledisi performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Also during the pregame show, Lady Gaga performed an emotional version of her song “Hold My Hand” on Bourbon Street as a tribute to the victims of the New Year’s attack which left 14 people dead. Gaga, who played piano during her performance, was joined by a full band and choir. Louisiana State Police troopers, New Orleans police officers, first responders and law enforcement were given a front-row view. Former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Michael Strahan were also featured in the tribute, which served as an introduction to the broadcast.

Both the Super Bowl pregame entertainment and the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime show featured American Sign Language (ASL) performances. Stephanie Nogueras performed the “Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful,” Otis Jones IV did “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and Matt Maxey delivered the ASL rendition for the Halftime show.

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