The Best and Worst Performances of the National Anthem Ever

From Whitney Houston's iconic rendition to Fergie's much-maligned take, these are the most memorable 'Star-Spangled Banner' performances.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

On the 95th anniversary of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' becoming the official national anthem, this article looks at some of the best and worst performances of the song over the years. While artists like Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, and Jimi Hendrix have delivered legendary versions, others like Fergie, Ingrid Andress, and Roseanne Barr have gone down in history for more unfortunate reasons.

Why it matters

The national anthem is a sacred tradition in American sports and culture, and how it is performed can become a major talking point. These memorable renditions, both good and bad, have sparked widespread reactions and discussions around patriotism, artistry, and what it means to represent the country through this iconic song.

The details

The article highlights 10 notable national anthem performances, with Whitney Houston's 1991 Super Bowl version cited as the greatest pop interpretation, while Fergie's 2020 NBA All-Star Game take is considered one of the worst. Other standout performances include Lady Gaga's powerful Super Bowl 50 rendition, Jimi Hendrix's legendary guitar-driven version at Woodstock, and Roseanne Barr's infamously flippant and off-key 1990 San Diego Padres game performance that sparked outrage.

  • The national anthem became the official U.S. anthem 95 years ago on March 3, 2026.
  • Fergie's much-criticized performance took place at the 2020 NBA All-Star Game.
  • Ingrid Andress' shaky rendition happened at the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby.
  • Roseanne Barr's controversial version was at a San Diego Padres game in 1990.
  • Christina Aguilera's Super Bowl performance with a missed lyric was in 2011.

The players

Whitney Houston

An acclaimed pop singer who delivered what is widely considered the greatest version of the national anthem, performing it powerfully at the 1991 Super Bowl.

Fergie

A member of the Black Eyed Peas who gave a much-maligned rendition of the anthem at the 2020 NBA All-Star Game, with her lilting delivery and questionable phrasing going viral for being an 'iconically bad' performance.

Lady Gaga

A Grammy-winning pop star who sang a show-stopping version of the national anthem at Super Bowl 50, dressed in a striking red pantsuit and delivering a powerful vocal performance.

Ingrid Andress

A country singer-songwriter whose shaky and derailed performance of the anthem at the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby went viral, leading her to admit she was intoxicated and check into rehab.

Jimi Hendrix

A legendary rock guitarist who didn't sing the anthem at Woodstock in 1969 but delivered an iconic instrumental version, with his electrifying guitar riffs mimicking the melody.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm a risk taker artistically, but clearly this rendition didn't strike the intended tone. I love this country and honestly tried my best.”

— Fergie

“I've never felt more honored and proud to be an American. This is for the troops!”

— Whitney Houston

The takeaway

The national anthem has a long history of iconic and infamous performances, showcasing the song's ability to bring out the best and worst in artists. These memorable renditions, whether celebrated or criticized, reflect the deep emotional connection Americans have with this patriotic anthem and the high stakes involved in representing it on the national stage.