Jon Batiste returned to his home state of Louisiana on Sunday (February 9) to kick off the 2025 Super Bowl with a stirring rendition of the U.S. National Anthem.
Via what came as a true toast to The Big Easy (where the big game was held), Batiste gave the historical number a jazzy, New Orleans-flavored revamp while President Donald Trump looked on from the audience in full salute.
And though many took to social media to praise the EMMY, GRAMMY, and OSCAR-winning singer-songwriter for his spirited performance, others – especially Trump’s supporters – gave the innovative version two thumbs down.
Branding his take an “unpatriotic” remix, look inside to see reviews from enraged viewers.
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Batiste unveiled an emotional delivery of the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ at the Super Bowl’s opening while playing a multi-colored piano painted by his wife, Suleika Jaouad, as part of the local art program Sing for Hope.
The colorful instruments matched Jon’s colorful interpretation of the anthem, a jazzy take that earned some serious jeers from some disappointed viewers – some of whom even took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to liken the performance to that of the fictional ‘Proud Family‘ character Bobby Proud who was known for his awkwardly soulful vocal stylings.
Look below to get a taste of what the people were saying.
Yikes! At writing, Jon’s not responded to the naysayers.
If yur going to dare to be different, atleast do it right. He Butchered & Battered the national Anthem like a meat warehouse on the 4th of July.
…it spelled SUC*ED!
He killed his career tonite just like Fergie’s
RIP
😂 Dude thought it’s the first single from his new album
SOUNDS LIKE HE WAS SINGING FOR A GAY PRIDE 😆
I’m sorry. Singing the national anthem is not an opportunity for an interpretive rendition.
It’s the Nation Anthem of the United States of America. Not a night at the jazz club!
National anthem for Whyte America. Blacks were considered 3/5 human. 🤐🤐🤐
Make Amerika Gay Again
Wtf 🤬
Y??????