Every National Anthem Performance in Sports History, Ranked

Opening Super Bowl XLVIII, Renée Fleming delivered an operatic anthem marked by pristine technique and classical formality. It was elegant, controlled, and unlike anything typically heard before kickoff, standing out by going in the opposite direction of pop spectacle.

The response was respectful but distant. Critics praised the artistry, while casual fans found it emotionally removed. The Seattle Seahawks crushed the Denver Broncos 43–8, and the blowout quickly became the dominant memory of the night.