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Fans of the NFL were left with frowns on their faces following the national anthem at the Super Bowl LIX after Jon Batiste’s performance.
According to netizens, what the singer-songwriter performed for the crowd was a “jazzed up” and “shocking” rendition that was disrespectful to the country as he sang the Star Spangled Banner ahead of the Chiefs-Eagles showdown.
Highlights
- Fans labeled Jon Batiste's Super Bowl LIX performance of the national anthem as the 'ghetto version'.
- The performance was seen as disrespectful due to the jazzed-up rendition, sparking outrage.
- Netizens preferred the traditional anthem, rejecting personalized versions.
While the applause in the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans was certainly loud, those online seemed to make sure their opinions were even louder, even labeling the performance the “ghetto version” of the anthem.
RELATED:
Viewers were not a fan of the national anthem at the Super Bowl LIX
Image credits: NFL
“He trashed the National Anthem,” one user simply stated.
“Ugh that wasn’t very good,” a person on Facebook said in disapproval. “Too bad Whitney’s Houston isn’t around, she sang it correctly and it is still awesome!”
“When do they play the Yellow National Anthem?” someone asked. “How about Purple?”
Image credits: NFL
.@JonBatiste delivers a stunning performance of the National Anthem 🇺🇸 #SBLIXpic.twitter.com/YfM3oZn4Q0
— NFL (@NFL) February 9, 2025
“Sing the national anthem like the national anthem,” said a netizen on X. “It’s not a jazz improv song! This is shameful.”
Another quipped, “I think you disrespect the national anthem by trying to jazz it up. Sorry, but not really sorry.”
And the outrage only continued as Batiste added his own spin to the lyrics, singing several lines multiple times, according to Daily Mail.
“Possibly the worst National Anthem I have ever heard. I mean not as bad as the Baseball All Star one that chick did but this one was close,” one noted.
“I hate it when the National Anthem becomes the singers anthem. One way to sing it is the way it was written,” another added.
To them, it strayed too far from the original and was seen as “disrespectful”
Image credits: NFL
.@ledisi and 125 New Orleans high school students perform “Lift Every Voice And Sing” to celebrate the hymn’s 125th anniversary. #SBLIXpic.twitter.com/zC7e0MOQbM
— NFL (@NFL) February 9, 2025
Others came to the artist’s defense, saying this rendition didn’t lack or add anything on unnecessarily.
“[It was] perfect, free music, everything an anthem should have, completely free of clichés, conventions, pathos, and had everything good jazz can sometimes have,” a user noted. “Like Jimmy Hendrix and his rock version. Well done.”
“It’s Jazz… it’s New Orleans…” someone simply stated.
One user even labeled it the “worst national anthem” they’ve ever heard
Image credits: NFL
An unbelievable performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing by @ledisi 👏
📺: #SBLIX – 6:30pm ET on FOX
📱: Tubi + NFL app pic.twitter.com/RvlDDit1RH— NFL (@NFL) February 9, 2025
At the time of writing, the Philadelphia Eagles are leading the score against the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the stands was also Donald Trump, who became the first sitting president in history to attend the Super Bowl, as he was seen saluting during the national anthem.
Kendrick Lamar had additionally taken the stage for the halftime show, inviting SZA as a special guest along with Samuel L. Jackson — who was a total surprise to fans. And though the artist performed a medley of his greatest hits, it was still slammed as the “worst halftime show ever.”
“Why are there 2 national anthems?” one user questioned
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Poll Question
Did you enjoy the National Anthem performance at Super Bowl LIX?
Yes, that was amazing!
No, it was terrible.
It was okay, but nothing special.
What do you think ?
Rob D 1 month ago (edited)
The "ghetto" dude who performed is a Juliard graduate in classical piano; Jon Batiste. Absolutely brilliant and hysterically NOT "ghetto". And the melody conservatives think tantamount to performing The Star Spangled Banner "respectfully", was stolen from a British song written about a Greek poet known for his praise of debauchery. 🤣🤦♂️ Most of them aren't even aware it's not called 'The National Anthem'. They're so dumb.
Michelle C 1 month ago
You’d be surprised by how much a lot of us do know and, for that matter, I’m a Maryland native. What’s with your US bashing here when that wasn’t even the point of the article?
Load More Replies... RS 1 month ago
If it has to be sung the same way everytime why bother? Skip it and people can listen to their classic version later at home if they like.
Nikole 1 month ago
Totally agree. But we see the blatant racism here now because of Trump, so it’s not surprising. I wonder how much his little trip to the Super Bowl cost taxpayers, btw.
Load More Replies... Nikole 1 month ago
No, not free. The guy who claims to want to eliminate governmental spending just used a bunch of our money for no reason. (And I know what you mean by rent free… It’s a completely stupid thing to say, because he is somehow president again and actively destroying the country, so of course people are thinking of him. But do go on with your little slogans, you fúcking idiot.)
MushroomHead22 1 month ago
or if they want the same thing every time, why bother bringing in singers, just put in the CD.
whiterabbit 1 month ago (edited)
It's not that they don't sing our national anthem exactly the same every time, they made a different one. The Star Spangled Banner is for our entire country, it's meant to be an inclusive song. Creating one for black people is divisive and unnecessary. Like one commenter pointed out, why not have one for every single race then? It defeats the entire purpose of the song.
Nikole 1 month ago
How is it inclusive of everyone? Its lyrics about a battle set to the tone of an old British drinking song. And for fúck’s sake, this version wasn’t “for black people”. Also, hooray, you’re back to digitally lick Trump’s áss again!
Michael Largey 1 month ago
Some "patriots" think that anything that ends up including black people must be excluding white people.
Nikole 1 month ago
No, Bella, you need to be smarter (although that clearly was never in the cards for you). How about saying something of consequence that you think will somehow excuse your views? And because I don’t give a shìt anymore, have a nice soak yourself, face down in the tub. People are dying due to trump and more will follow.
Multa Nocte 1 month ago
ί𝔫ＣίŦᵃт𝐔𝐬 , you are engaging with a troll. Nikole is the righteous one here. I wish BP would clean up this garbage.
Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het 1 month ago
Nikole is one of the smart ones. Smarter than Bella that is for sure. Whilst I like that you have turned a new leaf, you have not escaped your past Bella. Literally, all your previous accounts, you were the needlessly antagonistic one.
Multa Nocte 1 month ago
Some of us do know who "Bella" is, Nathan. This time he is pretending to be a woman, although he has done that before. Three days here and leaving a trail of garbage where ever he goes. But he always has to put in his signature line about men in women's sports. Catches him every time. Can't stop himself no matter how hard he tries. 😂
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 1 month ago
Well, if they want to complain about this how about we bring back the third verse nobody sings anymore? "No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave" Yep, Francis Key Scott was writing about slaves who helped the British after they were promised their freedom. Just a few lines before the crescendo "For the land of the FREEE!" Some people were freer than others.
LittleTeapot 1 month ago
I thought it was a respectful, elegant, and professional, if somewhat stylized, rendition of OUR National Anthem. The same as dozens of other (white) artists before. Shush. Thank you and goodnight.
Michael Largey 1 month ago
Odd to hear "ghetto version" out of the mouths of the political element most responsible for putting Americans in ghettos and keeping them there..
Michelle C 1 month ago
Consider: a Democrat was the president who allegedly stated that he would like to “ have [African-Americans] voting Democrat for the next 200 years” and was an avid supporter of segregation in every sense. He is also believed to have been one of the people who wanted fellow Democrat and previous President John F. Kennedy dead because Lyndon Baines Johnson hated Kennedy for favoring equal rights for all people. Given Johnson’s known racist, sexist, ableist, and similar views, is it any surprise that he wanted Kennedy dead? He’s even believed to have ordered a hit on Kennedy. Democrats were also the party most in support of slavery during the Civil War. Republicans worked actively to abolish slavery for the most part. The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Republican himself. I could continue. That isn’t to say that Republicans haven’t done some terrible things as well. They have and I’m more or less cynical about both parties at this point.
Load More Replies... 
Debbie Soares 1 month ago
I thought he did really well, unusual but nice, his ending was great. You can feel his emotion when singing.
JuniorCJ82 1 month ago
Not butchered in any way, shape, or form. He even only went "off script" ONCE... and it was at the end... and it worked.
Michael Largey 1 month ago
Well, they can invite MAGA supporter Roseanne Barr to come back and try it again.
MushroomHead22 1 month ago
you all disrespected your country when you voted for the tangerine.
Two_rolling_black_eyes 1 month ago
They butchered both songs. "Please stand and join us in singing..." is impossible when the person leading it changes both the words and tune. I appreciate people making art their own but a group sing along isn't the place when yo
Janissary35680 1 month ago (edited)
Simpsons Did It: https://simpsonswiki.com/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner_(Dancin%27_Homer)
Randy Sanders 1 month ago
I am a MAGA type, but I thought it quite good. NOLA flavor to it. IMHO he is good.
Warren Hazelton 1 month ago
The fact that the first of these comments was from Charlie Kirk kinda says it all.
SmooshieFries 1 month ago
The National Anthem is my favorite song ever and pretty much the only part of any game I truly watch. The tradition version is how I like it best and the more chills I get the better! Zero chills today. Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston, Vanessa Williams and even Cher gave me chills
Rob D 1 month ago (edited)
The "ghetto" dude who performed is a Juliard graduate in classical piano; Jon Batiste. Absolutely brilliant and hysterically NOT "ghetto". And the melody conservatives think tantamount to performing The Star Spangled Banner "respectfully", was stolen from a British song written about a Greek poet known for his praise of debauchery. 🤣🤦♂️ Most of them aren't even aware it's not called 'The National Anthem'. They're so dumb.
Michelle C 1 month ago
You’d be surprised by how much a lot of us do know and, for that matter, I’m a Maryland native. What’s with your US bashing here when that wasn’t even the point of the article?
Load More Replies... RS 1 month ago
If it has to be sung the same way everytime why bother? Skip it and people can listen to their classic version later at home if they like.
Nikole 1 month ago
Totally agree. But we see the blatant racism here now because of Trump, so it’s not surprising. I wonder how much his little trip to the Super Bowl cost taxpayers, btw.
Load More Replies... Nikole 1 month ago
No, not free. The guy who claims to want to eliminate governmental spending just used a bunch of our money for no reason. (And I know what you mean by rent free… It’s a completely stupid thing to say, because he is somehow president again and actively destroying the country, so of course people are thinking of him. But do go on with your little slogans, you fúcking idiot.)
MushroomHead22 1 month ago
or if they want the same thing every time, why bother bringing in singers, just put in the CD.
whiterabbit 1 month ago (edited)
It's not that they don't sing our national anthem exactly the same every time, they made a different one. The Star Spangled Banner is for our entire country, it's meant to be an inclusive song. Creating one for black people is divisive and unnecessary. Like one commenter pointed out, why not have one for every single race then? It defeats the entire purpose of the song.
Nikole 1 month ago
How is it inclusive of everyone? Its lyrics about a battle set to the tone of an old British drinking song. And for fúck’s sake, this version wasn’t “for black people”. Also, hooray, you’re back to digitally lick Trump’s áss again!
Michael Largey 1 month ago
Some "patriots" think that anything that ends up including black people must be excluding white people.
Nikole 1 month ago
No, Bella, you need to be smarter (although that clearly was never in the cards for you). How about saying something of consequence that you think will somehow excuse your views? And because I don’t give a shìt anymore, have a nice soak yourself, face down in the tub. People are dying due to trump and more will follow.
Multa Nocte 1 month ago
ί𝔫ＣίŦᵃт𝐔𝐬 , you are engaging with a troll. Nikole is the righteous one here. I wish BP would clean up this garbage.
Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het 1 month ago
Nikole is one of the smart ones. Smarter than Bella that is for sure. Whilst I like that you have turned a new leaf, you have not escaped your past Bella. Literally, all your previous accounts, you were the needlessly antagonistic one.
Multa Nocte 1 month ago
Some of us do know who "Bella" is, Nathan. This time he is pretending to be a woman, although he has done that before. Three days here and leaving a trail of garbage where ever he goes. But he always has to put in his signature line about men in women's sports. Catches him every time. Can't stop himself no matter how hard he tries. 😂
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 1 month ago
Well, if they want to complain about this how about we bring back the third verse nobody sings anymore? "No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave" Yep, Francis Key Scott was writing about slaves who helped the British after they were promised their freedom. Just a few lines before the crescendo "For the land of the FREEE!" Some people were freer than others.
LittleTeapot 1 month ago
I thought it was a respectful, elegant, and professional, if somewhat stylized, rendition of OUR National Anthem. The same as dozens of other (white) artists before. Shush. Thank you and goodnight.
Michael Largey 1 month ago
Odd to hear "ghetto version" out of the mouths of the political element most responsible for putting Americans in ghettos and keeping them there..
Michelle C 1 month ago
Consider: a Democrat was the president who allegedly stated that he would like to “ have [African-Americans] voting Democrat for the next 200 years” and was an avid supporter of segregation in every sense. He is also believed to have been one of the people who wanted fellow Democrat and previous President John F. Kennedy dead because Lyndon Baines Johnson hated Kennedy for favoring equal rights for all people. Given Johnson’s known racist, sexist, ableist, and similar views, is it any surprise that he wanted Kennedy dead? He’s even believed to have ordered a hit on Kennedy. Democrats were also the party most in support of slavery during the Civil War. Republicans worked actively to abolish slavery for the most part. The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Republican himself. I could continue. That isn’t to say that Republicans haven’t done some terrible things as well. They have and I’m more or less cynical about both parties at this point.
Load More Replies... Debbie Soares 1 month ago
I thought he did really well, unusual but nice, his ending was great. You can feel his emotion when singing.
JuniorCJ82 1 month ago
Not butchered in any way, shape, or form. He even only went "off script" ONCE... and it was at the end... and it worked.
Michael Largey 1 month ago
Well, they can invite MAGA supporter Roseanne Barr to come back and try it again.
MushroomHead22 1 month ago
you all disrespected your country when you voted for the tangerine.
Two_rolling_black_eyes 1 month ago
They butchered both songs. "Please stand and join us in singing..." is impossible when the person leading it changes both the words and tune. I appreciate people making art their own but a group sing along isn't the place when yo
Janissary35680 1 month ago (edited)
Simpsons Did It: https://simpsonswiki.com/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner_(Dancin%27_Homer)
Randy Sanders 1 month ago
I am a MAGA type, but I thought it quite good. NOLA flavor to it. IMHO he is good.
Warren Hazelton 1 month ago
The fact that the first of these comments was from Charlie Kirk kinda says it all.
SmooshieFries 1 month ago
The National Anthem is my favorite song ever and pretty much the only part of any game I truly watch. The tradition version is how I like it best and the more chills I get the better! Zero chills today. Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston, Vanessa Williams and even Cher gave me chills
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