Who Should Perform the National Anthem at the 2026 Super Bowl? Vote!

Bad Bunny is set to headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show in 2026. But that leaves a few more open musical positions for others during the NFL’s biggest night — including the pre-game’s national anthem.

With a memorable run of artists in the past 10 years taking this slot — think of Lady Gaga in 2016 at the same stadium in California for the 50th game (before the Denver Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers) and Chris Stapleton’s 2023 turn at Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Ariz., (before the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Philadelphia Eagles) — the “Star Spangled Banner” provides a prime showcase during the big game.

The choices in the past range from country (Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Mickey Guyton, Stapleton, Reba McEntire) to pop (Gaga, Pink, Demi Lovato), R&B (Gladys Knight and Jazmine Sullivan, who performed with Church) and even jazz (Jon Batiste, who performed in his hometown of New Orleans at last season’s Super Bowl).

There are a plethora of A-listers who haven’t taken the gig yet and several we think would be perfect for the job — Mariah Carey, Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, the women of HUNTR/X, Olivia Rodrigo, Post Malone, Chappell Roan and more. (And no, we didn’t list Taylor Swift — even though she’d be a great choice, we know she likes to focus on the sport being played.)

Super Bowl LX will occur on Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. Vote in the poll below and read on for why each artist should get their shot at “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

• Mariah Carey

  It’s been more than 20 years since the superstar last sang the national anthem at a Super Bowl — in 2002 at the Superdome in New Orleans. We think it’s time she returned.

• Sabrina Carpenter

  Coming off her Grammy nominations for Man’s Best Friend and the end of her Short n’ Sweet Tour, Carpenter is an obvious choice for the mic.

• Billie Eilish

  Billie’s style would add an interesting take on the traditional track.

• Post Malone

  Posty’s memorable “America the Beautiful” performance at the 2024 Super Bowl makes him a great candidate.

• Olivia Rodrigo

  Why not infuse a little pop punk into the festivities?

• Chappell Roan

  Roan’s vocal chops and her flamboyant style need to be broadcast for the masses.

• Luke Combs

  We’re surprised this country star with his commanding presence hasn’t already brought his talents to the field.

• Lainey Wilson

  Her lovely and powerful country twang would fit right in.

• Ariana Grande

  Oddly, Grande is another artist who’s never sung at a Super Bowl, and she’d be a great addition to the lineup.

• Cynthia Erivo

  Her Broadway voice would soar in the stadium.

• Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo

  The stars of Wicked have proven they make beautiful duets together.

• SZA

• HUNTR/X

  Who better than the actual voices behind the popular KPop Demon Hunters smash “Golden” — EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami — to set the stage before the plays begin?

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