Multi-Grammy and Oscar-winning performer Jon Batiste captivated the audience with his lively rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles faced off at Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. The Louisiana native delivered a memorable performance, hoping it will “last the test of time,” as he told Entertainment Tonight last month.
Who Is Jon Batiste?
At 38 years old, Jon Batiste is a multi-talented musician known for his contributions to music, film, and television. His impressive career highlights include:
- Former bandleader for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (2015–2022)
- Co-composer for Pixar’s animated film “Soul”, which won him an Oscar for Best Original Score
- Winner of seven Grammy Awards, including this year’s wins for:
- Best Music Film for his documentary American Symphony
- Best Song Written for Visual Media for “It Never Went Away”
Musical Background
Batiste’s connection to music runs deep, rooted in his upbringing in New Orleans’ vibrant jazz community. He started performing at just 8 years old, playing drums with the Batiste Brothers Band. Over the years, he mastered multiple instruments, including:
- Piano
- Keyboard
- Melodica
- Guitar
Batiste also attended the prestigious Juilliard School in New York, where he honed his craft.
Super Bowl LIX: A Celebration of Louisiana Talent
This year’s Super Bowl was a showcase of Louisiana natives, highlighting the region’s rich musical heritage:
- Trombone Shorty performed “America the Beautiful” alongside Grammy-winning vocalist Lauren Daigle.
- Ledisi sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, also known as the Black national anthem.
- Last year’s Super Bowl featured country music legend Reba McEntire singing the national anthem, further continuing the trend of showcasing prominent performers.
Halftime Show: Kendrick Lamar Takes Center Stage
The halftime show delivered an electrifying performance led by rapper Kendrick Lamar, who treated fans to some of his biggest hits, including:
- “HUMBLE.”
- “DNA.”
- Songs from his latest album, including “Luther”
SZA joined Lamar on stage, adding her signature vocals to the set. The show concluded with Lamar’s Grammy-winning song and record of the year, “Not Like Us”, leaving fans in awe.
Super Bowl LIX: Where to Watch
- Broadcast: The game was aired on Fox.
- Streaming: For the first time, Fox News livestreamed the event on Tubi, allowing viewers to watch the major sports event from anywhere.
With Jon Batiste’s soulful national anthem, Kendrick Lamar’s powerful halftime performance, and a celebration of Louisiana’s musical roots, Super Bowl LIX wasn’t just about the game—it was a night to remember for music lovers and sports fans alike. From the national anthem to the final whistle, the event showcased the best of American talent and culture.
