Every National Anthem Performance in Sports History, Ranked

Fresh off her American Idol win, Jordin Sparks stepped onto the Super Bowl XLII field with poise well beyond her years. Her delivery was clean, controlled, and youthful, sticking close to the melody and letting her natural tone do the heavy lifting.

The reaction was kindly positive. Critics praised her composure, fans found her likable and steady. The New York Giants upset the previously undefeated New England Patriots 17–14, a shocker that quickly overshadowed everything that came before it.