US

5 Iconic Patriotic Performances To Inspire You On Independence Day

No featured image available

Its an American tradition to stand, hand over heart, while someone sings our national anthem before sporting events to remind us of the common goals we share even as players strive against one another on the field.

While a good rendition will make you smile or nod your head, a great rendition can give you chills and bring tears to your eyes. Here are five great renditions of the national anthem and a bonus performance to boot.

Whitney Houston

Icon Whitney Houston was 27 years old when she sang the national anthem at Super Bowl XXV in Florida in 1991. Her rendition united a country that had just embarked on Operation Desert Storm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bW5Wf_dH7Q

Carrie Underwood

Country singer Carrie Underwood flawlessly performed the national anthem a cappella before the NFC Championship game between the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington, in 2006. She won “American Idol” in 2005.

Faith Hill

Country singer Faith Hill knocked it out of the park with her version of the anthem at Super Bowl XXXIV between the St. Louis Rams and Tennessee Titans in 2000.

Jackie Evancho

America’s Got Talent finalist Jackie Evancho was just 16 when she performed the anthem at President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2017.

Luke Bryan

Country crooner Luke Bryan put his own twist on the anthem during Super Bowl LI between the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons in 2017.

BONUS: Maya Rudolph’s SNL Skit

These five performances were pure artistry, but Saturday Night Live’s Maya Rudolph shows what NOT to do when you perform the anthem in this 2013 sketch.