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National Anthems RANKED! Who Sang It The Best? Who Sang It The worst?

Who sang the best National Anthems and who sang the worst ones? So many superstars have blessed our ears with The Star-Spangled Banner. I can’t wait to break down the…

Luke Bryan

JOLIET, IL – SEPTEMBER 16: Country music singer Luke Bryan performs the National Anthem during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series GEICO 400 at Chicagoland Speedway on September 16, 2012 in…

Who sang the best National Anthems and who sang the worst ones? So many superstars have blessed our ears with The Star-Spangled Banner. I can't wait to break down the top Anthems in our country's history! (Obviously these are just my opinions)

History of the Star-Spangled Banner

The Star-Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814. During the War of 1812, he witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British forces in Baltimore. Key was inspired by the sight of the American flag still flying over the fort after the battle. He wrote the lyrics of what would become the National Anthem.

The Star-Spangled Banner is not just a patriotic song; it is a symbol of the American spirit of perseverance, courage, and freedom. The lyrics of the anthem describe the American flag as a symbol of hope and resilience, even in the face of adversity. The song's words also remind us of the sacrifices made by American soldiers and citizens throughout history to defend and uphold the principles of democracy and freedom.

The Star-Spangled Banner is played at important national events such as sporting events, political ceremonies, and military ceremonies. It is also played at the beginning of every school day in many American schools, as a way to instill a sense of national pride and respect for the country's history and traditions.

Best National Anthems RANKED!

Here Are The Best National Anthems, ranked by me! I want to preface that anytime someone sings for our country it's a blessing to our ears. But some performers sang it better than others. And before you get mad at me, just know that there are HUNDREDS of artists I've left off this list. But here are some of the worlds biggest stars. (And of course I added a rendition of my own Star-Spangled Banner with the Boston Pops!)

13. Christina Aguilera - 2010 NBA Finals

The only great thing about this performance was watching the Celtics on the court. This rendition had too many "Christina vocals runs."

12. Pink - 2017 Superbowl

Why with the bubble bum Pink!! WHY!!!

11. Luke Bryan

Not bad, not bad at all! It sounds like Luke Bryan singing the Anthem. He claims he's still scarred with nightmares thinking about singing it though.

10. Martina McBride - 2009 AFC Championship Game

Beautiful rendition, but not in my top.

9. Mariah Carey - 2001 NASCAR

It's Mariah Carey. She's a diva! But that high note at the end was honestly impressive.

8. Kelly Clarkson - 2018 Indy 500

Simple, right down the middle. No vocals thrills. Solid Anthem from Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson.

7. Ariana Grande

I always forget Ariana Grande can sing...like REALLY well.

6. Beyonce - Presidential Inauguration

Beyonce looked and sounded AMAZING in his performance.

5. Faith Hill - 2000 Superbowl

It was an iconic moment for Faith Hill. She was flawless! (I just wish we had better video quality back then)

4. Eric Church & Jazmine Sullivan

This duet between Eric Church & Jazmine Sullivan was shocking! I didn't know what to expect when country mixed with r&b, but the moment was magical.

3. Jordin Sparks - 2008 Superbowl

Jordin Sparks did a beautiful job with the Anthem... but the BEST part of the game was watching the New England Patriots on the field (even though they lost).

2. Chris Stapleton - 2023 Superbowl

There was something SO soulful and simplistic with Chris Stapleton's version of the National Anthem. My husband and I probably watched this 20x over again after he was done. You did country music proud Chris!

1. Whitney Houston - 1991 Superbowl

Guys, it's not even a question. Whitney Houston's rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner at the 1991 Superbowl IS the Superbowl of voices. Every singer has tried to do as good of a job as Whitney but no one has been able to, which is why she is the GOAT.

Ayla Brown has been an on-air morning show host with Country 102.5 since 2018. Before taking this once-in-a-lifetime job, Ayla was (and still is) a country music singer. In 2006, she placed 13th on American Idol. In 2012 and 2013 she celebrated her Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium debut, and over the years she has visited 13 countries overseas to sing for the American Troops. Country music is in Ayla Brown’s soul. Not only does she sing it, but she gets to talk about it every day on “Country Mornings with Jonathan and Ayla.” Ayla is happily married to singer-songwriter, Rob Bellamy, and they welcomed a son named Barrett in August of 2022. In her free time, she loves to sew baby bibs and experiment with new recipes in the kitchen. She also loves to travel and try new foods. Ayla writes about Boston area happenings, parenting, holistic lifestyle and living, and travel.

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