Chris Stapleton transforms the National Anthem to a heartfelt country masterpiece for his viral Super Bowl LVII performance.

When famous individuals perform the American National Anthem, online audiences always respond enthusiastically, whether watching Demi Lovato's flawless unaccompanied rendition at the World Series or witnessing Fergie's notorious performance. However, when Kentucky country star Chris Stapleton stepped onto the field at Super Bowl LVII, he eliminated the celebrity self-importance of previous performers, creating an unforgettable viral moment. Chris's performance at Arizona's State Farm Stadium has accumulated over 8.8 million views to date, and we can easily comprehend why. Wearing a black Fender Telecaster, Chris broke from the traditional a cappella approach favored by celebrity singers, instead enhancing his powerful voice with a clean, fingerpicked guitar pattern that created such a remarkable atmosphere that one professional athlete was visibly moved to tears.

Chris excelled vocally in his instrumental version as well. His rough voice flowed with Southern warmth as he sang the anthem accompanied by his solo guitar work, filling his performance with genuine emotion. His delivery was authentic and completely captivating.

As the ten-time Grammy winner demonstrated how to properly perform the anthem, Oscar-winning deaf-from-birth American Sign Language interpreter Troy Kotsur joined Chris on the Super Bowl field to translate the National Anthem lyrics in real time. The Armed Forces Color Guard and drummers from "The President's Own" United States Marine Band also participated.

At 44 years old during this performance, Chris's new benchmark Super Bowl appearance came before the release of his fifth studio album, Higher, which was published in late 2023. For those unfamiliar with country music, Chris's rise to country fame is remarkable itself. After approximately fourteen years as a Nashville songwriter and participating in moderately successful bands, Chris Stapleton released his first solo album, "Traveller," when he was 37 years old. After winning three career-defining awards at the 2015 Country Music Association award show, the distinctive cowboy hat-wearing musician has been making history in the genre ever since, while collaborating with many cross-genre artists including Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Adele, and Snoop Dogg.

After Chris opened the event, Rihanna headlined the 47th Super Bowl's significant halftime show, giving her first performance in over five years while pregnant, dressed in bright red and singing a collection of her hit songs from an elevated, floating platform.