Whitney Houston was in her prime. She already released critically acclaimed albums Whitney Houston and Whitney, won several Grammy Awards for hits “Saving All My Love For You” and her successful albums. But nothing catapulted her career like her Jan. 27, 1991, performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl XXV.

Houston’s poise and control allowed her to hit every note, sending a surge of American pride, which transcended from the stadium to the millions of viewers at home during the heart of the Persian Gulf War. Her performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner” also marked the first time it was broadcast in countries outside of North America and the United Kingdom.

Although the performance was lip-syncing to a recording of the song, the rendition was released as a single due to popular demand and still remains arguably one of the greatest performances of the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

Follow Dominique Zonyéé on Twitter: @DominiqueZonyee.

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(Photo: Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)