While it has become a source of controversy at sporting events over the last few years, singing the national anthem, derived from the work of Francis Scott Key, remains one of America’s most favored and timeless traditions.

Whether it is performed by a Grammy award-winning artist or an ordinary American, a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” is a time when almost all Americans put their differences aside to honor the men and women who defend this nation.

In no particular order, here are seven renditions of America’s national anthem that not to be missed.

1. Whitney Houston at the 1991 Super Bowl, at the height of the Persian Gulf War.

2. Kentucky All-State Choir at Hyatt Regency Hotel in Louisville, 2019.

3. Jennifer Hudson at the 2009 Super Bowl.

4. Mariah Carey at the 2002 Super Bowl, shortly after the terrorist attacks that occured on September 11, 2001.

5. WWII veteran Pete DuPré plays harmonica rendition of the national anthem, 2016.

6. 7-year-old Malea Emma performs at Pauley Pavilion ahead of a UCLA basketball game, 2019.

7. Luther Vandross at the 1997 Super Bowl