If you want something sung right, call Broadway! The United States’ National Anthem is no easy tune, and some of theatre’s best singers have been called in to lend their vocal prowess to the pre-game performances of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” In honor of Major League Baseball’s 2017 World Series this weekend, we bring you 16 videos documenting Broadway stars nailing the anthem.
In reverse chronological order:
Chris Jackson, July 10, 2017
Listen to the Hamilton Tony nominee’s trademark smooth sound.
Ramin Karimloo, October 9, 2017
Current star of Anastasia and Tony nominee for Les Misérables showcases his effortless tenor.
Neil Patrick Harris, October 8, 2017
The Tony winner sings a gentle, classic rendition.
Aaron Tveit, October 3, 2017
Tveit starts on such a high note, it’s nothing short of impressive when he beautifully pings “the rockets red glare.”
The Schuyler Sisters, February 5, 2017 (Superbowl LI)
Hamilton’s original powerhouse female trio amazed the crowd at the 2017 Superbowl—once again proving they know how to werk!
Hamilton First National Tour, July 12, 2017 (NBA Finals)
Joshua Henry, Amber Imam, Solea Pfieffer, and Emmy Raver-Lapman stun the crowd with the original arrangement by Henry.
Norm Lewis, September 11, 2016 (U.S. Open Men’s Final)
Lewis’ ending of his powerhouse rendition must be heard to be believed.
Sydney James Harcourt, September 5, 2016 (U.S. Open)
The Hamilton star brought his A-game to his velvety version.
Lena Hall, October 10, 2016 (MLB)
The Tony winner is one of Broadway’s great belters, and this performance is no exception to her track record of belting her face off.
Zachary Levi, October 15, 2015 (MLB)
The Tony nominee for 2016’s She Loves Me brought a jazzy style to his National Anthem.
Chris Jackson & Anthony Ramos, April 8, 2016
The Hamilton duo impresses with their swag and vocal strength.
Ben Platt, July 4, 2015
Before he was a Tony winner, he premiered as Evan Hansen in Washington, D.C. Here, he gives a heartfelt rendition of the Banner.
Come From Away, June 1, 2015 (MLB)
Before becoming a smash on Broadway, Come From Away premiered at the La Jolla Playhouse. Led by Tony winner Chad Kimball, the six offer a beautiful choral rendition of the Anthem.
Ana Gasteyer, August 3, 2014 (MLB)
A former Elphaba, Gasteyer knows how to bring a house down!
Idina Menzel, July 15, 2014 (MLB)
The ice queen always goes big, and this performance is no exception.
Jennifer Hudson, February 1, 2009 (Superbowl XLIII)
Before making her Broadway debut in The Color Purple, Hudson was still an Oscar winner and Grammy nominee. Here, she delivers an invigorating performance before the Superbowl—riffs and all.
