Most memorable Super Bowl national anthem performances, from Whitney Houston to Lady Gaga

Most memorable Super Bowl national anthem performances, from Whitney Houston to Lady Gaga.

With Reba McEntire announced as the national anthem singer for Super Bowl LVIII, we can look forward to a spirited performance ahead of the big game. Still, not everyone who's had that responsibility has lived up to expectations. While we've watched artists like Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, and Cher dazzle the audience, we've also seen (quite talented) musicians like Christina Aguilera do too much and blow their shot. But good or bad, at least they're not forgettable. Here are our picks for the most memorable Super Bowl national anthem performances of all time.

01

Cheryl Ladd, Super Bowl XIV (1980)

For the most part, the national anthem had been performed by marching bands up until the Charlie's Angels star received the honor in 1980 for Super Bowl XIV. No pressure or anything. Ladd's powerful rendition, which she dedicated to the American hostages in Iran, nicely kicked off the tradition of having professional singers perform the anthem. Brava!

02

Diana Ross, Super Bowl XVI (1982)

The iconic singer brought a welcome simplicity and gentleness to the classic tune, and proved that you don't need a million embellishments to stand out (a lesson other performers on this list could learn).

03

Billy Joel, Super Bowl XXIII (1989) and Super Bowl XLI (2007)

Billy Joel is one of two artists — the other being Aaron Neville — who got to perform the anthem twice at the Super Bowl. While his first turn was solid, Joel's return in 2007 for Super Bowl XLI was his best, as the crooner played the piano and infused more of his personality into the song.

04

Aaron Neville, Super Bowl XXIV (1990) and Super Bowl XL (2006)

Aaron Neville, a famed R&B and soul singer, first sang the anthem in 1990. The New Orleans native once again performed the song in 2006, along with Aretha Franklin, pianist Dr. John, and a 150-member choir, as a tribute to the city damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Their performance divided audiences (there was a lot going on), but its sincerity couldn't be denied.

05

Whitney Houston, Super Bowl XXV (1991)

What would a memorable national anthem singer list be without Whitney Houston? Even though it was later revealed she pre-taped her set, it still outshined many live renditions of the song.

Houston released it as a single later that month, with the proceeds going to soldiers involved in the Persian Gulf War and their families. When the single was re-released following 9/11, it peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Houston became the first artist to reach the top 10 in the U.S. with the national anthem and have it certified platinum.

She set such a high bar for what perfection sounded like that each year we watch a performance of "The Star Spangled Banner" only to go, "That was pretty good...but Whitney's was better."

06

Harry Connick Jr., Super Bowl XXVI (1992)

Harry Connick Jr.'s performance marked the first time an American Sign Language interpreter (Lori Hilary) accompanied the national anthem singer, but Connick's time at the Super Bowl is not notable for what happened on the field, but for what happened off of it. A member of his technical crew moved running back Thurman Thomas' helmet before the game, causing the future Hall of Famer to miss the first play of the Super Bowl.

07

Garth Brooks, Super Bowl XXVII (1993)

Garth Brooks' rendition was superb, but the behind-the-scenes drama behind his performance may have been the most memorable part. Moments before the country singer took the stage, he threatened to leave unless NBC played his new video. The show's executive producer ended up agreeing to play a portion of the video, but, since then, the league has required performers to have a backup track in case a similar issue occurred.

08

Natalie Cole, Super Bowl XXVIII (1994)

Natalie Cole brought a gospel vibe (and a choir) to the anthem, and even mashed it up with “America the Beautiful.” Her performance wasn't everyone's favorite, but it's certainly not one we'll forget soon.

09

Kathie Lee Gifford, Super Bowl XXIX (1995)

Super Bowl XXIX was a family affair, with former New York Giants player Frank Gifford serving as announcer, and his wife Kathie Lee Gifford as the national anthem performer.

10

Vanessa Williams, Super Bowl XXX (1996)

The singer and former Miss America offered up an elegant version of the anthem, showing us all how it's done.