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National Anthem Before Chiefs-Eagles Super Bowl LIX is Going Viral

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Feb 9, 2025 6:36 PM ET

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are eyeing the first-ever NFL three-peat as they take on Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.

The Chiefs got here after defeating Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills 32-29 in the AFC Championship Game. The Eagles, on the other hand, knocked off Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders in the NFC championship.

Before the game began, seven-time Grammy Award-winning artist/composer and New Orleans native Jon Batiste performed his rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

The national anthem held significant meaning to the crowd at the Superdome after the attack on Bourbon Street in the early hours of the new year that left many affected. A video of Batiste's performance has already taken off on social media with 60,000 in just eight minutes.

NFL fans loved Batiste's rendition of the national anthem, especially given the events earlier this year. They took to social media to leave their thoughts.

"John Batiste’s piano is amazing! And omg, the version of the National Anthem is feeling the Louisiana Jazz groove!" one fan said.

"Fantastic National Anthem!!!! Brilliant!" wrote a second.

"The National Anthem was fantastic," added another.

"What a national anthem performance. Top 3 all time," posted a fourth.

"That was legit the best rendition of the national anthem I have ever heard," commented a fifth.

"That national anthem was fire!! Great rendition!" added a sixth.

Batiste grew up in Metairie, Louisiana, right outside of New Orleans. He has performed with numerous musical icons, including Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Ed Sheeran, Willie Nelson and Lenny Kravitz.

Batiste also composed the score for Disney Pixar's "Soul" before winning an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award and a Grammy Award for his work on the movie.

His album "We Are" stands out as one of his finest, earning a Grammy and showcasing his second-highest-charting track, "Freedom." The song reached No. 13 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Airplay chart, where it remained for 14 weeks. His highest-charting single, "I Need You," climbed to No. 2 on the same chart.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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