Pentatonix perform a chilling five-part rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" with their unique vocal harmonies.
In a memorable performance, the acclaimed a cappella group Pentatonix took to the stage on Christmas Day 2025 to sing the US national anthem at an NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans.
Formed in Arlington, Texas in 2011, Pentatonix consists of Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Matt Sallee, and Kevin Olusola. The group is most famous for their pop-style arrangements of classic songs, hymns, and carols, and their unique blend of tight harmonies, scat singing, and vocal percussion.
Kevin Olusola, also known as 'Kevin O', is a cellist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and beatboxer, who is a key member of the group.
Pentatonix's performance of the US national anthem featured five-part harmony, riffs, and production to create their iconic sound. A recording of their performance can be found online.
The Star-Spangled Banner is a song that requires drama, vocal flair, and virtuosity, and Pentatonix delivered with their contemporary twist on the traditional anthem.
The tradition of featuring the Star-Spangled Banner at sporting events began during game one of the 1918 World Series as a morale booster amid World War I. Since then, it has become a nearly century-old tradition across many sports.
Different artists like Pentatonix, Renee Fleming, Whitney Houston, and Jon Batiste have performed the US national anthem at various sporting events, showcasing diverse styles and moments in history.
Whitney Houston delivered one of the most iconic performances at Super Bowl XXV in 1991. Her rendition was so flawless that a pre-recorded studio version was used during the live broadcast, exemplifying the combination of live-singing and backup tracks often used at major events like the Super Bowl.
Renee Fleming, a world-renowned opera singer, brought a classical and operatic style to her anthem performances at sporting events, blending her vocal technique with patriotic tradition. Jon Batiste, known for his jazz and contemporary musical talents, has performed the anthem at sporting events with a fresh and soulful approach, infusing the traditional song with his unique musical identity.
Each year at the Superbowl, a new artist performs the US national anthem, and for the 2025 Superbowl, Jon Batiste will take on the honour.
The group's name, Pentatonix, is a play on the musical scale 'pentatonic', containing five different tones, to represent its five members. Individually, the members of Pentatonix have incredible voices, but together, they create a Grammy-winning sound.
Pentatonix, known for their pop-style arrangements and unique blend of vocals, performed the US national anthem at the NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans on Christmas Day 2025. Kevin Olusola, a cellist and beatboxer, is a key member of the group.
In addition to Pentatonix, various artists like Renee Fleming, Whitney Houston, and Jon Batiste have also performed the US national anthem at different sporting events, showcasing diverse musical styles and traditions.
For the 2025 Super Bowl, Jon Batiste was chosen to perform the US national anthem, continuing the annual tradition of featuring a new artist at the event.
