Eric Church and Jazmine Sullivan Kick Off Super Bowl 2021 With National Anthem Performance

Country artist Eric Church and R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan come together for a performance of the National Anthem at Super Bowl 2021. See how it compared to other renditions.

By Mike Vulpo Feb 07, 2021 11:40 PMTags

Now this is how you kick off Super Bowl 2021.

Before the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Feb. 7, country artist Eric Church and R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan took to the stage for a unique rendition of the National Anthem.

Eric kept things casual in denim jeans and a purple jacket as he played the guitar and fireworks blasted into the air. As for Jazmine, she turned heads for all the right reasons when wearing a white pantsuit. 

Country music fans are familiar with Eric's hit songs including "Springsteen," "Drink In My Hand" and "Mr. Understood." He's currently preparing for the release of his new album this April and a tour once it's safe to perform at venues.

For those discovering Jazmine's powerful voice this weekend, the 33-year-old "Lions, Tigers & Bears" singer has 12 Grammy nominations under her belt since her debut album Fearless was released in 2008.

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NFL Studs On and Off the Football Field

Most recently, the Philadelphia native released an EP titled Heaux Tales, which highlights the experiences of millennial Black women.

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Because the pair comes from two different genres, it makes the collaboration that much more special. And yes, it's hard to believe that the two just met each other to pull off the unforgettable performance.

"I have not met Eric yet. I'm excited to meet him. We definitely come from two totally different everything," Jazmine told Entertainment Tonight last month. "But, I'm excited. I think it will be cool to blend the different sounds of music and just show some unity."

She continued, "I just hope that it brings unity and it shows that you can be from two different parts of life and come together, you know, for a good common cause, basically."

Grammy winner H.E.R. rocked out with her guitar while she sang "America the Beautiful" at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. In addition, Alicia Keys performed "Lift Every Voice & Sing" as both teams stood in harmony.

For even more of the best Super Bowl National Anthem singers, keep scrolling through our gallery below.

Chris Stapleton

The country music singer kicked off Super Bowl 2023 with a powerful rendition of the National Anthem. 

Eric Church & Jazmine Sullivan

For 2021, Super Bowl LV brought together the country crooner and R&B artist for a special rendition of the National Anthem. 

Whitney Houston

The New York Giants might've won 1991's Super Bowl XXV, but Whitney Houston was the standout star to many fans. Her rendition of the National Anthem backed by The Florida Orchestra is one of the most iconic Super Bowl performances of all time...it even reached number 20 on Billboard's Hot 100 List.

Natalie Cole

In 1994, Natalie Cole appeared at Super Bowl XXVIII alongside the Atlanta University Center Chorus to sing the National Anthem.

Luther Vandross

When Super Bowl XXXI took over New Orleans in 1997, the R&B singer performed a memorable rendition of the National Anthem as Miss Louisiana 1996, Erika Scwarz Wright, accompanied him by doing sign language for the song.

Cher

In 1999, the "Believe" singer belted out the "Star Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XXXIII in Miami and we're shocked she hasn't made this a regular gig.

Faith Hill

Faith Hill performed the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Next time we vote for Hill teaming up with her husband Tim McGraw for a Super Bowl performance we'd never forget.

Backstreet Boys

The Backstreet Boys sang the National Anthem in perfect harmony at Super Bowl XXXV in 2001 in Tampa, Florida. 

Mariah Carey

In 2002, the "We Belong Together" singer performed the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans.

The Dixie Chicks

The Dixie Chicks took the field in 2003 to perform the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego and it was totally empowering to watch.

Beyoncé

In 2004, Beyoncé performed at Super Bowl XXXVIII in her hometown of Houston making the event even more memorable.

U.S. Armed Forces Academy Choruses

In 2005, at Super Bowl XXXIX, the National Anthem was performed by the combined choirs of the United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy, United States Military Academy at West Point, United States Coast Guard Academy, accompanied by the United States Army Herald Trumpets.

Aretha Franklin and Aaron Neville

Aretha Franklin and Aaron Neville both demanded our respect when they performed at the 2006 Super Bowl in Detroit.

Billy Joel

The piano man himself sang the National Anthem at the 2007 Super Bowl in Miami and not many have been able to achieve his flawless execution level while singing this song. 

Jennifer Hudson

Former American Idol star Jennifer Hudson performed at the Super Bowl in 2009 in Tampa, Florida.

Carrie Underwood

In 2010, Carrie Underwood sang the National Anthem at the Super Bowl in Miami and she shined in her white and silver outfit.

Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera belted it out as she performed at the 2011 Super Bowl in Arlington, Texas.

Kelly Clarkson

In 2012, Kelly Clarkson took the field to perform the National Anthem in Indiana and if you didn't think she had a killer voice before she took the stage, you definitely knew it after she was finished.

Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys brought her legendary voice and her trusty piano to the 2013 Super Bowl in New Orleans.

Idina Menzel

Frozen star Idina Menzel sang at Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, Arizona in 2015 and she definitely let it go.

Lady Gaga

Leave it to Lady Gaga to take over the historic Super Bowl 50 stage and slay it in an epic Americana ensemble as she sang the National Anthem in 2016 in Santa Clara, Calif.

Luke Bryan

In 2017, country superstar Luke Bryan took the field to perform at Super Bowl 51 in Houston, Texas.

Pink

The "So What" singer wowed the crowd as she took to the field to perform during the 2018 Super Bowl in Minneapolis. Pink was actually battling the flu during her performance, but was still able to deliver a legendary rendition.

Gladys Knight

The iconic artist gave us chills with her beautiful rendition of the National Anthem during the 2019 Super Bowl in Atlanta.

Demi Lovato

In 2020, Demi took to the field at the Hard Rock Stadium to perform "The Star-Spangled Banner." For her performance, which earned rave reviews, Lovato donned a white Sergio Hudson pantsuit complete with a belt.

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