5 Best Live National Song Performances

At the 57th Presidential Inauguration, Beyonce wowed the crowd with her rendition of the National Anthem at President Obama’s second inauguration. Bey delivered a flawless performance but how does she stack up against other singers who have taken on “The Star-Spangled Banner” and other national songs? Here are some of our favorites.

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Whitney Houston at 1991 Super Bowl
In 1991, Whitney Houston gave what was possibly the greatest performance of the National Anthem …ever. Whitney made the demanding song look like a breeze. It was so good that Whitney released the song as a single and went on to sell over 700,000 in its first week!

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Mariah Carey at 1990 NBA Finals
A young Mariah Carey belted her heart out on “America The Beautiful” in 1990. When she hits her famous whistle register at the end, even the Pistons players are shocked.

Christina Aguilera at 2011 Super Bowl
Christina Aguilera gave “The Star-Spangled Banner” a bluesy take. X-Tina has been singing the song since she was a little kid but she flubbed the words a bit. Yikes! At least her vocals were on point.

Diana Ross at US Open 2006
Miss Diana Ross gave “God Bless America” a funky, upbeat flavor in 2006. Always a diva.

Beyonce at 2004 Super Bowl
Monday's inaugural events wasn’t Beyonce’s first time singing the National Anthem. In 2004, the Houston native sang it during the Super Bowl in a classy and confident performance.