Jon Batiste, the celebrated musician and multi-award-winning artist, made history at Super Bowl 2025 by delivering a powerful rendition of the national anthem. Performing in his hometown of New Orleans, Batiste set the tone for the highly anticipated game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. His performance added a fresh twist to the anthem, featuring a unique drum sample toward the end, showcasing his signature creativity.
Batiste’s appearance at the Super Bowl was part of an all-star musical lineup, which included Lauren Daigle and Trombone Shorty performing “America the Beautiful,” Ledisi singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and Kendrick Lamar headlining the halftime show.
While Batiste is widely known for his musical brilliance, there are several intriguing aspects of his career and personal life that many may not be aware of. Here are four fascinating facts about the Super Bowl 2025 national anthem singer.
1. Batiste’s Career Skyrocketed After Scoring Pixar’s Soul
Jon Batiste has been a dominant force in the music industry for years, but 2020 marked a major turning point in his career. That year, he composed the score for Pixar’s animated film Soul, collaborating with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The soundtrack’s blend of jazz and orchestral elements received widespread acclaim, earning Batiste an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media.
In the same year, he also performed at a Juneteenth celebration in Brooklyn alongside jazz pianist Matt Whitaker, further cementing his role as a cultural icon.
2. He’s Worked With Some of the Biggest Names in Music
Batiste’s musical versatility has allowed him to collaborate with some of the most legendary artists across different genres. Over the years, he has worked with icons like Prince, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Ed Sheeran, Lenny Kravitz, and Lana Del Rey. His ability to blend jazz, soul, and contemporary styles has made him one of the most sought-after musicians in the industry.
Beyond his collaborations, Batiste’s personal discography is equally impressive, boasting six studio albums, nine EPs, and three collaborative projects. His ability to bridge traditional jazz with modern music continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
3. He Won Five Grammy Awards in a Single Night
The 2022 Grammy Awards was a defining moment in Batiste’s career, as he walked away with five prestigious awards. His album We Are won Album of the Year, solidifying his status as one of the most influential musicians of his generation. He also won Best Music Video for Freedom, Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media for Soul, and two awards in the American Roots category for his song Cry.
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Reflecting on his Grammy triumph, Batiste expressed his gratitude in an interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert:
“Man, it’s so much I’m still processing. First, I thought the fact that my family was there with me to witness that is incredible. Just so much went into that moment—piano lessons, some civil rights marches.”
At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Batiste continued his winning streak, securing Best Music Film for his documentary American Symphony and Best Song Written for Visual Media for It Never Went Away.
4. He’s an Actor With a Growing Film Career
While Batiste is best known for his music, he has also made a name for himself in the film industry. He portrayed musician Billy Preston in Saturday Night, a movie about the first-ever episode of Saturday Night Live, for which he also composed the score.
In 2023, he joined the star-studded cast of The Color Purple, acting alongside Fantasia, Taraji P. Henson, and Danielle Brooks. His ability to transition between music and film highlights his versatility as an artist.
A Love Story That Has Withstood Life’s Challenges
Beyond his professional achievements, Batiste’s personal life has been marked by love and resilience. He has been married to journalist and best-selling author Suleika Jaouad since February 2022. The couple first met as teenagers at a band camp and reconnected years later during Jaouad’s battle with leukemia.
Jaouad was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at 22 and faced a relapse in December 2021. In 2024, she revealed that she was battling cancer for the third time after previously becoming cancer-free following a bone marrow transplant. Due to her health, the couple skipped the 2025 Grammy Awards but celebrated Batiste’s two wins on Instagram.
Their documentary, American Symphony, chronicles their relationship, Jaouad’s fight against cancer, and Batiste’s artistic journey, offering an intimate look at their love and resilience.
The Legend of Batiste
Jon Batiste’s performance at Super Bowl 2025 was more than just a musical moment—it was a celebration of his artistry, cultural impact, and inspiring journey. From winning Oscars and Grammys to making waves in Hollywood and standing by his wife during her health battles, Batiste continues to redefine what it means to be an artist.
With his ever-evolving career and undeniable talent, one thing is clear: Jon Batiste is a name that will continue to resonate in the world of music, film, and beyond.
