Country music artist Chris Stapleton turned in one of the most memorable renditions of the national anthem ever for the Super Bowl in the game’s storied history, according to countless viewers who turned in to see the pregame ritual.
Stapleton, the third consecutive country music singer to be honored with the privilege of singing the Star-Spangled Banner, did not disappoint with his soulful, tear-jerking performance. The song lasted two minutes and one second.
“Grown-a** men crying to Chris Stapleton singing the national anthem,” one Twitter user wrote. “Wow, this one is right up there with Whitney Houston’s performance. Just amazing.”
Another said they were still “mopping up tears” after listening to the powerfully moving singing.
Take a look as Stapleton brings down the house in his 2023 Super Bowl premiere:
.@ChrisStapleton brings the house down with his performance of the National Anthem! #SBLVII pic.twitter.com/iiRzjVcByW
— NFL (@NFL) February 12, 2023
Most famous for the waterworks was Philadelphia Eagles’ head coach Nick Siranni. Sirrani, the second-year coach for the favored NFC team (who lost 38-35 in a back and forth contest against the Kansas City Chiefs) was visibly tearing up during Stapleton’s performance. He immediately went viral for all the right reasons.
everything on the line. emotions are high pic.twitter.com/g9PpNRVKi5
— alex (@highIightheaven) February 12, 2023
Fans say Stapleton’s cover rivals, though perhaps not quite eclipses, the iconic 1991 rendition performed by then-27-year-old megastar Whitney Houston. In that unforgettable performance, Houston famously slowed down her version to increase the drama of the already-moving song. Watch her here:
In a time when half this nation, and certainly the party that represents that half, wants to dismantle and tear down everything great about America, it is refreshing – even necessary – to be reminded that there is still an unmistakable pride about this great country.
In any case, people loved Stapelton’s performance. Commenting on the NFL’s tweet with the video of him playing, said things like:
“The best rendition of our beautiful anthem I’ve heard in a long time a description of the heart & soul of America”
“He needs to sing the anthem from now on. Like forever, man.”
“Whitney just became my 2nd favorite!”
“Best National Anthem I’ve ever heard!!! And seriously…an even bigger Nick Sirianni fan! His emotion had me 🥲
#SuperBowl”
“Of course Whitney was amazing, and will never forget her singing it. But I absolutely loved Stapleton tonight!”
“While not watching the game, I heard about this awesome rendition of the National Anthem, and had to check it out for myself! Incredible! @startchangeri
@LanciaForRI”
“It was fantastic to hear him sing the only national we have! When you played that other “We Wuz Victimz” nonsense, I went and peed because I’m over that silliness.”
“Sure, it wasn’t Whitney. And let’s be clear, few will ever top her GLORIOUS performance of our Anthem. But this was just as soulful, powerful, and deeply American. Def among the top 4 renditions. Magnificent job, brother!!”
Featured image: Screenshot from embedded Twitter video.
By: Will Tanner. Follow me on Twitter @Will_Tanner_1
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