Jon Batiste delivered a reimagined rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans, infusing the national anthem with new spirit jazz. The performance was inspired by the recent New Year’s attacks in New Orleans and the memory of his late grandfather, a military veteran.

Batiste, a five-time Grammy Award winner, is known for composing and reinterpreting music with a distinctive blend of old-school and modern jazz. His rendition of the anthem featured various backing tracks to reshape the piece’s emotional tone. He reportedly drew inspiration from “Drag Rap” by The Showboys, a foundational track in New Orleans bounce and hip-hop culture, aiming to showcase the city’s rich musical heritage.

Performing the national anthem at the Super Bowl is a prestigious honor, with past renditions delivered by artists such as Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Billy Joel, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga.

Batiste also used the performance to honor his wife, Suleika Jaouad, whose resilience and artistic vision have influenced much of his work. As documented in his 2023 film American Symphony, which chronicled the composition of his first symphony, Jaouad has been battling acute myeloid leukemia. Her cancer returned for a third time in the summer of 2024.

Batiste’s tribute to his wife was evident in the artwork on his piano, which featured abstract colors and butterflies—symbols of hope and renewal. The painting was originally conceived during the filming of American Symphony.

A Louisiana native, Batiste rose to prominence as the bandleader for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert before establishing himself as a celebrated musician. His signature soul-inspired style has now left its mark on the national anthem, offering a rare sense of hope at a time when many Americans need it most.