Chris Stapleton's Soul-Stirring Super Bowl Anthem: A Timeless Tribute

Chris Stapleton's National Anthem at the Super Bowl in 2023 has aged like fine wine. The country singer's version of the "Star Spangled Banner" brought players and coaches to tears — real tears! — and solidified him as a cross-genre legend. On February 12, 2023, the soon-to-be ACM Entertainer of the Year took the field with his guitar, wearing sunglasses along with a black jacket and slacks. Stapleton left his signature hat on the sideline to sing the National Anthem, and from the very first pulls of guitar, you knew it was going to be special.

Patiently, he worked through the lyrics. Stapleton didn’t stray far from the song's original structure but definitely delivered an original in the way the best performers do. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was moved, and so was Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce. His heartfelt rendition resonated deeply, showcasing the emotional power of music in uniting people.

While Stapleton made it look easy, he would later admit to being terrified. The "White Horse" singer says he prepared more for that performance than any other TV appearance. "That National Anthem's a hard one for any singer, I don't care who you are," he told Today's Willie Geist in October. This sentiment highlights the weight that such a performance carries, not just for the artists but also for the audience as they join together in a moment of reflection and pride.