If you’ve used any social media this week, there’s no doubt Fergie’s performance of the National Anthem came across multiple times. The “Fergalicious” singer has been criticized incessantly for her jazzy rendition, leading to several hilarious jokes on the internet. Some criticisms are harsh, but there’s no mistaking how her performance differs from others in the past. Here is a list of the best performances of the national anthem in history.
Beyoncé
Source: FanSided
In 2004, Beyoncé performed the National Anthem at the Super Bowl XXXVIII. Fresh off the release of “Dangerously in Love,” Beyoncé was quickly rising to stardom. This performance drew everyone’s attention; it’s no surprise that the singer later became the Queen Bey we all know and love.
You can watch her performance here.
Jennifer Hudson
At the 2009 Super Bowl XLIII, Jennifer Hudson gave a jaw-dropping performance of the National Anthem. Her smooth, soulful voice gave chills to everyone watching. As she effortlessly hit high notes in the song, the crowd and players were visibly moved. The power of the performance makes it a strong contender in this list.
You can watch her performance here.
Lady Gaga
In celebration of the Super Bowl L, Lady Gaga was the perfect choice for the National Anthem. Dressed in a stunning red sequined suit, Gaga stunned the audience with a rendition similar to Whitney Houston’s. She started off singing in a gentle tone while gradually gaining more momentum to hit the high notes. Her performance is truly one to remember.
You can watch her performance here.
Whitney Houston
Source: For the Win
Whitney Houston’s performance at the Super Bowl XXV is renowned as the best in history. Her performance was so good that it was later released as a single. At the same time in history, the U.S. was entering the Persian Gulf War, making this one of the most patriotic performances. From the video alone, the excitement from the audience can be heard from their deafening cheers. To this day, her talent is unmatched.
You can watch her performance here.