Grammy and Oscar-winning musician Jon Batiste delivered a soulful rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl 59, bringing his signature New Orleans style to one of America's most-watched performances.
Seated at a white grand piano adorned with vibrant colors, Batiste offered a fresh take on the national anthem, weaving together elements of jazz, soul, and R&B. The 38-year-old musician's heartfelt performance, backed by rolling snare drums, moved several spectators visibly, including Kansas City Chiefs' defensive player Chris Jones, who was seen wiping away tears.
The former "Late Show with Stephen Colbert" bandleader took 2 minutes and 2 seconds to complete his rendition, matching Chris Stapleton's timing from two years ago. Batiste's interpretation included distinctive piano runs and a memorable triple repetition of "land of the free" before concluding with a powerful "home of the brave" as military jets soared overhead.
Born and raised in Metairie, Louisiana, Batiste's musical roots run deep through New Orleans' rich cultural heritage. His training began early, learning from family members who were fixtures in legendary brass bands like the Treme and Olympia.
The Juilliard graduate has earned widespread recognition, including five Grammy Awards in 2022 for his album "We Are" and an Academy Award for his work on the animated film "Soul." His Super Bowl performance adds another notable achievement to an already impressive career that spans jazz, classical, and popular music.
This year's anthem marked a departure from recent Super Bowls, which featured country music performers for the past four years, including Reba McEntire's performance last year.