Jon Batiste delivered a stunning rendition of the national anthem during Super Bowl LIX, held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9, 2025. The seven-time Grammy winner, who has become synonymous with the city’s rich musical heritage, captivated audiences with his innovative and emotional performance.
With multicolored psychedelic designs gracing his white grand piano, Batiste infused his rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” with blues and jazz elements, completely reimagining the traditional anthem. He began with a jazzy cadence, gradually building to a powerful crescendo as he contributed soulful flourishes on the piano.
The atmosphere was electric, with Batiste’s performance stirring emotions among players from both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Notably, Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones, who struggled with his emotions during last year’s anthem, was seen wiping tears during Batiste’s performance, which he seemed to thoroughly appreciate. "Chris Jones came prepared with the tissues this time around," quipped Yahoo Fantasy Sports, echoing the sentiments of many around the stadium.
This year, Batiste’s performance came as part of the Super Bowl festivities, which celebrated New Orleans culture. Before the anthem, fellow New Orleans natives Troy Andrews, known as Trombone Shorty, and Grammy Award-winning Lauren Daigle graced the stage to perform “America the Beautiful.” Ledisi also performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” creating a powerful lineup of local talent.
The night kicked off with what was described by REVOLT as “the most New Orleans introduction possible,” featuring Harry Connick Jr. and Big Freedia, among others, showcasing the city’s vibrant musical scene. All four performers embodied the spirit and cultural richness of New Orleans—an area deeply embedded with musical history.
Speaking with Kevin Frazier, Batiste expressed how important this performance was for him personally. “I’m thinking a lot about my personal story and the story of this country, and the story of how we can honor the best of us,” he said. Feeling moved by his grandfather’s legacy—a veteran—Batiste added, “I’m singing for them, and I’m singing for us, and all of our collective love and healing.”
Sporting sharp attire, Batiste not only made waves with his singing but also with the symbolic nature of his performance, as his piano was hand-painted by his wife, Suleika Jaouad. The couple has faced significant health challenges together, yet they continue to inspire each other in their respective artistic journeys.
While Batiste's performance lasted right on the predicted 120 seconds, it contrasted sharply with the previous year’s rendition by Reba McEntire, which spurred controversy for its drawn-out ending. This year, Batiste's performance showcased both respect for the anthem and his artistic flair, pleasing both music and sports fans alike.
The event also contained moments of remembrance, with the NFL observing a moment of silence for Virginia Halas McCaskey, former Chicago Bears owner, who recently passed away at age 102.
The performance was part of larger halftime festivities, which included not only other impressive performances but also represented how the NFL is engaging with cultural roots, particularly through the lens of New Orleans' influence. Kendrick Lamar and SZA were slated to headline the Halftime Show, performing for another raucous crowd of football enthusiasts and music lovers.
Jon Batiste, who has spent years as the bandleader for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” continues to exhibit remarkable talent across various styles, including jazz, R&B, and classical music. His dedication to his craft and connection to his roots makes performances like the national anthem at the Super Bowl not just entertaining but also poignant.
Through his music, Batiste is emphasizing not just individual talent, but the rich cultural contributions from his hometown of New Orleans. The Super Bowl, often viewed as not just a sporting event but also as a cultural spectacle, served as the perfect backdrop for Batiste to showcase his artistry.
With his Grammy-winning discography, numerous awards—including his recent Oscar for the film “Soul”—and now this powerful anthem performance, Jon Batiste continues to pave the way for future generations of musicians and honor the legacy of those who came before him. His commitment to representing New Orleans and its musical legacy remains unshakeable, ensuring he remains a transformative figure within the music industry.