Jon Batiste performed the national anthem to kick off Super Bowl 2025.
The seven-time Grammy winner sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” from the field at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans Sunday.
Batiste, a Louisiana native, wore a black suit and tons of diamond jewelry for the patriotic moment in front of a sea of fans supporting the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.
He sang a jazzy rendition of the anthem while playing a colorful piano.
Batiste exclusively told Page Six last month that he was “definitely” planning on leaning into his jazz roots and is “always going to represent” his hometown. He also reflected on performing the tune during a “very interesting” time in the United States.
“It’s always a good thing to represent the best of who we are and it’s important to have songs and symbols that represent that,” he said, adding, “But when you get to a point where there’s conflict in that regard, it’s an interesting place for an artist to stand.”
The composer — who recently opened his first jazz club in the Bahamas — previously shared how excited he was to be a part of the major football event.
“I’m excited to figure out an arrangement that lasts the test of time, and I look forward to sharing it,” he told “Entertainment Tonight” in January.
The NFL announced last month that the “Freedom” artist, 38, would be singing the national anthem as a way of honoring Louisiana’s local music scene.
“We’re honored to work with this year’s pregame lineup to celebrate the rich musical legacy of New Orleans and the entire state,” head of music at the NFL Seth Dudowsky said in a statement at the time.
“The Super Bowl is a rare moment to unite fans around the world, and this year’s performers will bring the energy, soul and vibrant sounds of the region to a global stage, as we kickoff Super Bowl LIX with a celebration to remember,” Dudowsky added.
Grammy winners Trombone Shorty and Lauren Daigle, who also hail from Louisiana, performed “America the Beautiful” while NOLA-born artist Ledisi sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
This year’s championship game has a star-studded line-up, with Kendrick Lamar headlining the Roc Nation-produced Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show.
The decision to recruit the “Swimming Pools” rapper for the coveted gig was somewhat controversial considering critics believed New Orleans-born Lil Wayne would be a better choice to honor The Big Easy.
Spotted in the stands of the stadium was superstar Taylor Swift, who was seen cheering on her boyfriend and Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce, from a private suite.
The post Jon Batiste puts Orleanian twist on national anthem at Super Bowl 2025 appeared first on Page Six.
