MusicRowRecess: National Anthems Gone Country

With the Super Bowl XLVII coming up in New Orleans on Sunday (Feb. 3), one of the most burning questions for some viewers–besides which team will take home football’s ultimate trophy–will no doubt be, ‘Will the national anthem singer be fantastic or a miss?’

The Super Bowl has seen its share of country music performers masterfully sing the wordy patriotic tune and nail the tricky high notes (who doesn’t wonder for a split second if the national anthem singer will hit the phrase ‘land of the free’ with strength and clarity while several million people watch in person, on television and via the internet?).

In the spirit of the Super Bowl, here’s a review of some of country music’s stars giving it their all.

Faith Hill, Super Bowl XXXIV, Georgia Dome in Atlanta (2000)

Dixie Chicks, Super Bowl XXXVI, Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego (2003)

Carrie Underwood, Super Bowl XLIV, Sun Life Stadium in Miami (2010)

Kelly Clarkson, Super Bowl XLVI, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis (2012)

Finally, a collection of snippets from numerous Super Bowl national anthems through the years (don’t miss a snippet of Garth Brooks from the 1993 Super Bowl at the 1:19 mark)