Super Bowl Throwback: 5 Best National Anthem Performances Ever!

There's no denying that when you hear our national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," you swell up with pride. As we get ready for one of the most anticipated sports event of the year, we want to look back at the five best national anthem performances ever.

Whitney Houston

There is no doubt that Ms. Houston set the bar for singing the national anthem at any sporting event. What makes this performance so memorable is what was going on around the world as she was performing. This was the time when many were serving in the Persian Gulf War. The song was released as a single. Her version came back to light again after the September 11 attacks, which Houston gave all the proceeds to charity. This version will stand the test of time.

Jennifer Hudson

It's a very close call between Ms. Hudson and Ms. Houston, but Hudson held her own in this spectacular rendition of the national anthem. Her powerful voice rocked the stadium (and the camera a little). There's not question that Hudson will go down in the top 5 for a while.

Renée Fleming

It definitely was a change of pace when this performer was asked to sing the national anthem. The reason? Ms. Fleming is a renounced classical opera singer. You wouldn't think to have an opera performer sing this song, but if you think about it, it makes so much sense. The song is riddled with many ranges of notes. It's amazing.

Carrie Underwood

What was the most interesting thing about Ms. Underwood's performance was that it was done in acapella. This rendition made you feel her words and you can hear every word she says. As she sings the parts "the bombs bursting in air" you can hear the fireworks blast. It made you feel a swell of patriotism for sure!

Alicia Keys

Ms. Keys made the national anthem her own as she performed playing a piano (as she always does with her performances). What was most spectacular was how as she was singing, the camera cut to the men and women who were in Afghanistan at the time, and the stadium was riled up with cheer. Then the camera cuts to Ray Lewis at the end of the song as sort of a farewell, as that was his final game.