1. Whitney Houston (1991 – Greatest)
Some performances gave us chills. Others made us cringe. All of them made history. From Whitney Houston’s flawless Super Bowl triumph to Roseanne’s off-key disaster, these are the anthem moments America never stopped talking about. Some lifted the nation. Others brought the house down—in the worst way.
Whitney’s 1991 Super Bowl performance remains the anthem that everyone measures others against. Her voice was flawless and powerful, soaring above the crowd with heart and control. It came at a time when America needed unity, and she delivered it with grace. Wearing a tracksuit and minimal makeup, she let the vocals carry the weight. The moment felt sacred and unforced. Decades later, people still talk about it as the best rendition ever heard. Whitney made it look easy, but no one has ever quite matched the magic she created in those few breathtaking minutes.
2. Roseanne Barr (1990 – Worst)
Comedy and patriotism don’t always mix, and Roseanne Barr’s attempt to sing the anthem is still hard to forget. Her delivery was loud, off-key, and ended with her grabbing herself and spitting on the ground. It was meant as a joke, but fans weren’t laughing. The boos from the crowd were instant and intense. Even political leaders condemned it. What was supposed to be funny came across as disrespectful. To this day, her version is often ranked as the worst. It stands out not for its creativity, but for how quickly it went completely off the rails.
3. Fergie (2018 – Worst)
Fergie’s sultry take on the anthem at the NBA All-Star Game was one of those moments where people weren’t sure what they were watching. She tried a slow, jazzy rendition with dramatic flourishes and playful vocals. Unfortunately, the result was met with visible confusion from players and fans. The mood in the arena felt awkward, and clips of athletes trying not to laugh made it even worse. Fergie later apologized, saying she had tried something new. The lesson felt clear. Some classics are better left untouched. Not every creative risk is worth the puzzled faces it leaves behind.
4. Beyoncé (2013 – Greatest)
On Inauguration Day, Beyoncé delivered a stunning national anthem that had the crowd hooked on every word. She stood tall, looked flawless, and sang with strength and clarity. Later, it was revealed she had used a pre-recorded track due to sound issues, which sparked some debate. But that didn’t change the fact that her performance had poise, control, and serious stage presence. She even responded to critics by singing it live at a press event later that week. If there was ever any doubt about her vocal ability, that moment erased it completely. Beyoncé owned the stage either way.
5. Christina Aguilera (2011 – Worst)
Christina Aguilera came to the Super Bowl with big vocals and a history of powerhouse performances. But when she got to the national anthem, she slipped. She skipped a line and accidentally repeated part of another verse. While her voice soared, the mistake was obvious to viewers and became the focus instead of her range. She later said she got lost in the moment, which is understandable. Still, it was hard for fans to ignore that the words just weren’t right. It showed that even the most talented singers can crack under the pressure of such a massive stage.
6. Lady Gaga (2016 – Greatest)
Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl performance felt like a blend of Broadway drama and national pride. Wearing a red glittering suit and silver eyeshadow, she stepped up to the mic with confidence. Her vocals were spot-on, clear, and emotional without being too much. She didn’t overdo it, and the result was striking. It was bold but still respectful, with just enough flair to remind everyone it was Gaga. The moment showed that showmanship can work with tradition when done right. She brought power and presence without making it about herself. That balance made her version both memorable and widely loved.
7. Carl Lewis (1993 – Worst)
Carl Lewis is an Olympic champion, but his national anthem performance is remembered for all the wrong reasons. Singing at a basketball game, he started off-key and quickly lost control. In the middle of it, he stopped and said, “Uh oh, I’ll make up for it.” He didn’t. The rest of the song only got worse, and the audience didn’t know whether to laugh or cringe. It’s one of those clips that still circulates online whenever bad performances come up. While his heart may have been in the right place, the notes definitely weren’t. It simply didn’t land.
8. Jennifer Hudson (2009 – Greatest)
Jennifer Hudson’s Super Bowl anthem came after deep personal loss, and it showed in the emotion she poured into every note. Dressed simply and standing with quiet dignity, she delivered a powerful performance that moved millions. Her voice was controlled and rich with feeling. Though it was pre-recorded, the emotional weight she carried gave it depth. The stadium felt hushed as she sang. It wasn’t about vocal runs or showy notes. It was about presence, strength, and the ability to stand tall after tragedy. Hudson turned her pain into power, creating one of the most memorable anthems in recent history.
9. Michael Bolton (2003 – Worst)
Michael Bolton had the voice for it, but his anthem performance at a Yankees-Red Sox game left people scratching their heads. In the middle of the song, he visibly looked down at his hand to read the lyrics he had written there. The moment was caught on camera and instantly drew criticism. For someone with such vocal experience, forgetting the words felt careless. While his tone was solid, the distraction took away from the performance. It served as a reminder that no matter how talented you are, preparation is everything, especially when singing a song that means so much.
10. Marvin Gaye (1983 – Greatest)
When Marvin Gaye stepped up to the mic at the NBA All-Star Game, nobody expected what came next. He turned the anthem into a smooth, soulful groove, layered with rhythm and emotion. It wasn’t traditional, but it worked. His voice carried warmth and passion, and the players on the court swayed along to the beat. It was a bold move that could have easily gone wrong, but Marvin’s confidence and artistry made it a historic moment. Today, it stands as one of the most creative and celebrated interpretations of the anthem ever performed on a national sports stage.
11. Natalie Gilbert (2003 – Honorable Save)
Natalie Gilbert was just 13 years old when she began singing the anthem at a Portland Trail Blazers game. Halfway through, nerves got the best of her and she forgot the words. For a moment, she stood frozen in front of thousands. Then, in a heartwarming twist, Coach Mo Cheeks walked over, stood beside her, and helped her finish the song. The crowd joined in, turning an awkward situation into a moment of pure support. The clip remains a favorite because it reminds us that grace can show up when we least expect it, even in front of cameras.
12. Steven Tyler (2001 & Others – Mixed)
Steven Tyler brought his rock star energy to every anthem he performed, but not everyone appreciated the spin. Whether it was adding harmonica solos or changing lyrics to suit the moment, his versions always stirred debate. At the 2001 Indianapolis 500, he ended the anthem with a nod to the event rather than the original line. Some thought it was disrespectful, while others saw it as a fun twist. Tyler defended his approach, but reactions were always mixed. His style wasn’t subtle, but it was memorable. You either loved it or shook your head, unsure what you just heard.
13. R. Kelly (2005 – Worst)
R. Kelly’s performance at a boxing match in Las Vegas was one for the books, and not in a good way. He turned the national anthem into an R&B remix, complete with backup dancers doing a choreographed step routine. The crowd didn’t know whether to clap or cringe. It felt more like a concert number than a tribute to the country. While creativity is sometimes welcome, this attempt was seen as tone-deaf and over the top. The anthem lost its meaning in all the flair, leaving many confused. It’s still remembered as one of the strangest renditions ever attempted.
14. Aaron Lewis (2014 – Worst)
Aaron Lewis, known as the lead singer of Staind, took the field to sing the anthem at the World Series and quickly found himself in trouble. He sang the lyrics out of order, mixing up two lines and breaking the flow. Fans noticed instantly, and the backlash on social media came fast. He later apologized publicly, saying he was “completely torn up” about the mistake. While his voice had a heartfelt tone, the moment highlighted how much pressure comes with performing the anthem live. Forgetting the lyrics on such a big stage can be hard to recover from.
15. Faith Hill (2000 – Greatest)
Faith Hill’s performance at Super Bowl XXXIV wasn’t flashy, but that’s what made it stand out. She delivered the anthem with elegance, clear tone, and just the right amount of emotion. There were no high-flying vocal runs or dramatic gestures, just a calm and confident presence that resonated with viewers. Her rendition reminded people that sometimes simplicity can be just as powerful as spectacle. The crowd responded warmly, and critics praised her poise. In a lineup of bold attempts and risky takes, Hill’s version quietly held its own and is still remembered as one of the more graceful performances.
16. Josh Groban (2001 – Greatest)
Just weeks after the September 11 attacks, Josh Groban stood before a grieving country and sang the national anthem at a memorial event. His voice, known for its emotion and warmth, was soft but sure, steady but full of heart. The performance didn’t need theatrics or boldness. It was about unity, healing, and the power of music in a time of loss. The simplicity of the moment made it feel honest. Groban didn’t try to steal the spotlight. He let the message carry through. Sometimes, the most unforgettable performances are the ones that offer peace when people need it most.
This story 16 National Anthem Performances America Will Never Forget, For Better or Worse was first published on Daily FETCH
