NFL fans were left furious by Jon Batiste‘s ‘jazzed up’ and ‘shocking’ rendition of the national anthem ahead of the Super Bowl.
The American singer-songwriter was given the honor of singing the Star-Spangled Banner ahead of the Chiefs-Eagles showdown in New Orleans, but fans felt he got the tone of the occasion completely wrong.
Taking to X, one viewer wrote: ‘Sing the national anthem like the national anthem. It’s not a jazz improv song! This is shameful.’
Another added: ‘I think you disrespect the national anthem by trying to jazz it up. Sorry, but not really sorry.’
A third wrote: ‘This is the worst rendition of the national anthem I’ve ever heard.’
Batiste used his big moment to add his own twist to the historic anthem, singing several lines multiple times and changing up the usual style.
Jon Batiste brought a piano out on the field to sing his rendition of the National Anthem
Fans on social media claimed it was the ‘worst national anthem I have ever heard’
The American flag was laid out on the field at the Superdome ahead of the big game in NOLA
He played the tune on a piano in the middle of the field at New Orleans’ Superdome, adding a ‘jazzy’ vibe in a city famous for its very distinctive style of music.
Despite fans watching at home being left unimpressed, Chiefs superstar Chris Jones seemingly enjoyed it as he once again burst into tears on the field.
In the stands, Donald Trump – who because the first sitting President in history to attend the Super Bowl – saluted the anthem.
Above the domed stadium, a US Marine flyover complemented the end of the anthem, but that was not seen by those in attendance given the closed roof in New Orleans.
President Donald Trump got a huge reception as he was shown on the big screen
An incredible image from behind the president shows the moment he saluted the flag
🚨 NOW: Crowd at the Super Bowl went absolutely WILD when President Trump was shown on camera saluting to the National Anthem
WE’VE TAKEN OUR COUNTRY BACK! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/GSdCFku8zg
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 9, 2025
Elsewhere on social media, one fan joked: ‘National anthem Under betters wondering how the hell many times can Jon Batiste say “Land of the Free”’
Another added: ‘Only our actual national anthem should be performed at the Super Bowl.’
Despite the underwhelming reaction to the actual anthem, there was one rousing moment during the rendition, when the stadium screen showed Trump in the stands.
Fans immediately went crazy for the President, screaming as he saluted those in attendance for the game.
