Do you recall the time when Garth Brooks almost refused to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl? According to reports, Garth Brooks came close to walking away from performing at the Super Bowl in 1993. This incident ended up changing the guidelines for future Super Bowl performers.
Brooks is not the sole country musician who has been chosen to perform the national anthem. Other notable artists such as Charley Pride, Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Kelly Clarkson, and Carrie Underwood have also had the privilege of singing it throughout the years. However, Brooks' alleged decision to boycott the show at the last minute brought about a change in policy that has now become a significant aspect of the institution.
Don Weiss, a former NFL Executive Director, revealed in his book, The Making of the Super Bowl: The Inside Story of the World's Greatest Sporting Event, that Garth Brooks had intended to premiere his music video for "We Shall Be Free" during the broadcast on January 31, 1993. The song was written as a response to the riots in Los Angeles that occurred after the Rodney King verdict in 1992. The video included footage depicting the KKK, riots, wars, and incidents of cross and flag burnings. However, the network considered the clip too controversial, leading Brooks to reportedly leave the stadium just 45 minutes before kickoff.
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Brooks refused the network's offer to record his performance in advance, causing the producers to panic and search for a last-minute replacement. Jon Bon Jovi happened to be present at the game, so the producers had him ready as they argued with Brooks. Eventually, Brooks won the argument, resulting in the biggest sports event in America being delayed for the first time ever to showcase his video. Brooks appeared on the field with a mullet and a full mustache and beard similar to Cyrus, and he was joined by Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin, who is hearing impaired, providing sign language interpretation during his performance.
Following Brooks' departure, the NFL has implemented a new rule that mandates all Super Bowl renditions of the national anthem to be pre-recorded, as stated by Ricky Minor, a former Super Bowl Music Director.
"He is suggesting that this is the correct method," he states. "There are numerous factors to consider before broadcasting live. I would never advise any artist to go live as even the smallest technical issue could ruin the performance."
Here are 15 country music artists who have the potential to headline a Super Bowl halftime show. This gallery is credited to Jess.
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