Every National Anthem Performance in Sports History, Ranked

Opening Super Bowl LV as a duet, Eric Church and Jazmine Sullivan split the anthem down the middle, blending country grit with silky R&B precision. The back-and-forth structure felt modern and intentional, spotlighting contrast instead of trying to smooth everything out.

The reaction warmed as it went on. Critics especially praised Sullivan’s control and tone. Some fans needed a minute to adjust to the format. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers crushed the Kansas City Chiefs 31–9, making the anthem one of the more interesting creative moments of the night.