What’d you think of Jon Batiste’s performance of The National Anthem at the 2025 Super Bowl?

Jon Batiste’s rendition of the national anthem at Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, held at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, received mixed reactions. Batiste, a New Orleans native and Grammy Award-winning artist, infused his performance with jazz elements, playing the piano at midfield and delivering a unique interpretation of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

While some viewers appreciated Batiste’s signature energy and the homage to his hometown’s rich musical heritage, others criticized the performance. Critics felt that his jazz-inspired rendition was inappropriate for the occasion, with some labeling it as “shameful” and “embarrassing.”

The performance sparked a broader discussion about artistic expression and the balance between honoring traditional renditions of national symbols and introducing personal or regional influences.