Chris Stapleton’s Unforgettable Super Bowl Performance and the Country Stars Who Came Before Him

Many country artists have stepped onto the Super Bowl stage to perform the national anthem, but only a handful have delivered it with the power and soul that Chris Stapleton brought in 2023. When he performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” for Super Bowl LVII, the “Think I’m In Love With You” singer instantly earned a place in history for one of the most compelling renditions ever heard at the event.

Despite his flawless delivery, Stapleton later admitted that nerves hit him hard before the performance.
“The national anthem’s a hard one for any singer. I don’t care who you are,” he shared during an interview with the Today Show, explaining that his anxiety levels were “exponentially” higher than normal.

Surprisingly, Stapleton didn’t even watch the game afterward — the one in which the Kansas City Chiefs claimed victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
“People were like, ‘Oh. You made people cry,’” Stapleton recalled with a laugh. “I was like, ‘Oh, OK. Good, I’m gonna go watch the game.’”

Country Legends Who’ve Sung the National Anthem at the Super Bowl

Stapleton joins a long and impressive list of country performers who’ve taken on the honor of singing the national anthem at the biggest sporting event of the year. Artists such as Garth Brooks, Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, and many more have all stepped up to the microphone.
In 2024, the role was given to Country Music Hall of Fame member Reba McEntire.

McEntire shared that she had been practicing the anthem everywhere — even in the most casual moments.
“I’ve been singing the National Anthem in the shower [and] when we get in the car,” she told Apple Music, adding that her partner, Rex Linn, was proud to keep her on track. “He’ll say, ‘OK, sing it one more time.’ I said, ‘I think I know the words real good right now, so I’m alright.’”

Her performance carried special meaning: McEntire was originally discovered while singing the national anthem in 1974. Fifty years later, stepping onto the Super Bowl stage felt like a full-circle moment.

“It’s not about me — I’m the representation of this song, and I’m just honored to get to sing it,” she said. “It’s a good one. I’ve been doing it for 50 years, and I’m really proud to get to sing it.”

This Year’s Super Bowl

For the upcoming matchup — once again featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles — the national anthem will be performed by Jon Batiste.
Fans can tune in to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 9, at 6:30 PM ET on FOX.