Needing no accompaniment, Lovato’s powerful vocals are truly awe-inspiring.Ĭlick to load video 11: Slash (NHL Playoffs, 2014) The 23-year old had just released her bestselling fifth album, Confident, which is a perfect description of her performance. Singer-songwriter, actress, and former Disney-star Demi Lovato captivated audiences at the 2015 MLB playoffs when she belted out the national anthem to cheering crowds at New York’s Citi Field. Even Tom Brady seemed impressed! 12: Demi Lovato (MLB Playoffs, 2015) As the Georgia native geared up to cheer on his home team – the Atlanta Falcons, who were up against the New England Patriots – the American Idol judge and acclaimed songwriter sounded as smooth as can be, singing a cappella and making the song his own with a bit of country twang. 13: Luke Bryan (Super Bowl LI, 2017)Ĭountry star Luke Bryan gave the national anthem a Nashville twist at the 2017 Super Bowl. Ellington, who was awarded a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to art and culture, was incredibly innovative, and his take on the national anthem – which feels classic, yet refreshing – doesn’t disappoint. Naturally, the song climaxes with classic KISS pyrotechnics (which make every show look like the 4th of July celebrations).Ĭlick to load video 14: Duke Ellington (The Duke Ellington Carnegie Hall Concerts: January 1943, 1943)Ĭharismatic composer, pianist, and bandleader Duke Ellington would occasionally open his live shows with “The Star-Spangled Banner.” With its driving brass section and cheery percussion, his jazz orchestra’s uptempo version harkens back to the home-front patriotism of the 40s. Playing to thousands of die-hard fans in Cleveland during the band’s “unmasked” era, lead guitarist Bruce Kulick shows off his chops in this impressive encore. This epic, instrumental rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was captured during KISS’ 1992 Revenge Tour and closes out their Alive III album. Here’s a look back at 15 of the best “Star-Spangled Banner” performances – from soulful balladry to all-out guitar shreds – proving that “traditional” doesn’t always need to be dull. Over the decades, many of the country’s biggest stars have tackled the song (some better than others), making their mark on the hallowed tune. Performed regularly at sports games and ceremonial events, a handful of singers and musicians have the chance to perform the song live each year, as audiences listen with bated breath. With its wide range of notes, “The Star-Spangled Banner” is considered to be one of the most challenging songs to sing.

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