1

Cher – Super Bowl of 1999

Image: Daniel Robert Dinu

Many consider Cher’s rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999 to be their favorite. Her velvety voice left some speechless—especially those who had only ever heard her sing pop!

The star brought her signature stage presence to the performance. Her deep, resonant voice filled the stadium. Dressed in a sleek, glittering gown, Cher let her vocals take center stage while elaborate choreography unfolded nearby.

2

Marvin Gaye – NBA All-Star Game (1983)

Image: Jon Tyson

Marvin Gaye’s rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game was truly unforgettable. It remains one of the most iconic performances of the anthem. With a modern backing beat , the "Prince of Soul" infused the song with his signature smooth vocals and soulful style.

Featuring a slow, deliberate tempo and a drum machine backing track, Gaye encouraged the audience to clap along to the beat and created a unique, signature version.

3

Luther Vandross – Super Bowl of 1997

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The maestro of love ballads brought his signature smooth style to his version at Super Bowl XXXI in 1997 at the Louisiana Superdome.

Known for his romantic R&B hits, Luther Vandross infused the anthem with soul. Accompanied by slow drums and warm synths, he delivered a heartfelt and respectful rendition—with a distinctive ’90s twist.

4

Lady Gaga – Super Bowl of 2016

Image: Daniel Lazar

Lady Gaga was already an Academy Award nominee and multiple Grammy winner when she was invited to showcase her vocal prowess at Super Bowl 50.

She did not disappoint! Her powerful, theatrical voice delivered a vibrating version, accompanied only by a subtle piano. Dressed in glittering versions of the national colors, she moved the entire stadium.

5

Beyoncé – Presidential Inauguration of 2013

Image: Paul Weaver

"Queen Bey’s" performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner " at President Barack Obama’s second inauguration in 2013 was a moment of vocal brilliance.

Backed by a full, blaring orchestra , the global superstar showcased her impeccable voice control and a palpable sense of respect for the ceremony. While rumors swirled afterward about whether she had used a backing track—a claim she later addressed—the performance itself was undeniably impactful.

6

Diana Ross - Super Bowl of 1982

Image: Dave Adamson

What a voice! And she did it first ! Diana Ross was the first pop star to sing the national anthem at a Super Bowl. She took the mic and delivered an a cappella rendition for the entire stadium and viewers across the country—a feat that would have required courage from a less incredible singer!

The entire stadium joined in, creating an unforgettable, intimate feeling moment that ended in an uproar of cheers. Truly, a goosebump-inducing performance!

7

Jennifer Hudson – Super Bowl of 2009

Image: Ben Mater

Jennifer Hudson brought many to tears with her performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XLIII in 2009. Already an Academy Award winner and celebrated musician, the American Idol star had firmly established herself as a force to be reckoned with.

Fans also cherished this performance as Hudson’s first public appearance following the tragic loss of three family members. Her powerful delivery was filled with chilling resilience.

8

Aretha Franklin & Aaron Neville – Super Bowl XL (2006)

Image: Ricardo IV Tamayo

The combined vocal power of Aretha Franklin and Aaron Neville at Super Bowl XL in 2006 resulted in a truly unforgettable rendition.

The undisputed Queen of Soul paired with Neville—renowned for his angelic falsetto—for a masterclass in soulful delivery . Backed by an impressive choir, the two legends crafted a unique and deeply moving performance.

9

Duke Ellington - Carnegie Hall Concerts

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Duke Ellington, the legendary composer and bandleader, graced the nation with his unique interpretation of "The Star-Spangled Banner" on multiple occasions, most notably during his Carnegie Hall concerts in the 1940s.

Renowned for his innovative big band jazz style, Ellington infused the anthem with swing and sophistication, creating a rendition that was both patriotic and unmistakably his own. His arrangement featured a dynamic brass section and lively percussion—timeless and elegant!

10

Jimi Hendrix – Woodstock in 1969

Image: Odair Faléco

Jimi Hendrix’s rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Woodstock deserves a place on the podium. It remains one of the most iconic—and controversial—performances of the anthem.

Known for his revolutionary electric guitar playing and psychedelic rock style, Hendrix reimagined the traditional melody as a powerful statement against the Vietnam War. While some found it disrespectful, others viewed it as a raw and relevant reflection of the era’s turbulence.

11

Whitney Houston – Super Bowl of 1991

Image: Roland Kay-Smith

Finally, the performance that many consider their all-time favorite: Whitney Houston’s. We should bear in mind that her rendition was so powerful that it even reached the Billboard Hot 100 faster than any of her previous hits!

Released as a single, the version raised funds for soldiers and the families of those involved in the Persian Gulf War. With one of the greatest voices of her generation and an undeniable passion for her country, Houston delivered a truly unforgettable anthem.

1

Julia Child

Image: Caroline Attwood

Probably the first name that comes to mind when thinking about famous American chefs is Julia Child, and for good reason. This chef, author, and television personality is recognized for bringing French cuisine to the American public with her first cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking , and her television programs, like 1963’s The French Chef.

Child began learning to cook after meeting her future husband, Paul, who grew up in a family passionate about food and was known for his sophisticated palate.

2

Emeril Lagasse

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Another familiar name (one of many) on this list is Emeril Lagasse, a celebrity chef, restaurateur, television personality, cookbook author, and regional James Beard Award winner (more on this name later), known for his mastery of Creole and Cajun cuisine.

He is known for catchphrases like "Kick it up a notch!" and "Bam!" and has appeared on a wide variety of cooking shows , including Emeril Live and Essence of Emeril .

3

Paula Deen

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The hostess of Paula’s Party is a chef, cookbook author, and TV personality from Savannah, Georgia, where she owns and operates The Lady & Sons restaurant with her sons . She has been the star of several cooking shows, including Paula’s Home Cooking, Positively Paula, Paula’s Best Dishes , and the aforementioned Paula’s Party .

Another show where you might recognize her—though it doesn't bear her name—is MasterChef , where she appears as a guest alongside other well-known chefs, mentoring home cooks through a series of challenges.

4

James Beard

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

If Julia Child is not the first name that comes to your mind when you think of a celebrity chef, then this might be the one. James Beard pioneered television cooking with shows like 1946’s I Love to Eat, taught at The James Beard Cooking School, and lectured extensively. He was a big promoter of American cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients.

Beard taught and mentored generations of professional chefs and food enthusiasts, and published more than twenty books.

5

Leah Chase

Image: Jorge Zapata

The Queen of Creole Cuisine, Leah Chase, was a New Orleans chef, author, and television host, also known for her civil rights advocacy and her extensive African-American art collection . Her restaurant, Dooky Chase, was known as a gathering place during the 1960s for many involved in the Civil Rights Movement, and in 2018, it was named one of the 40 most important restaurants of the past 40 years by Food & Wine .

Leah Chase was inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America in 2010, received a lifetime achievement award from the Southern Foodways Alliance in 2000, and was awarded honorary degrees from several universities, among other honors.

6

Bobby Flay

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A staple on the Food Network, Bobby Flay has been a prominent figure in American television since 1995, winning several awards and even earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame . He has hosted or been a part of several shows, including Hot Off the Grill with Bobby Flay, 3 Days to Open with Bobby Flay, Throwdown with Bobby Flay , and many more.

He has participated in many shows competing against other chefs, mentoring home chefs, and has hosted many cooking reality shows.

7

Sara Moulton

Image: Holly Stratton

Described as "one of the nation’s most enduring recipe writers and cooking teachers...and a dean of food television and magazines," Sara Moulton is a chef, cookbook author, and television personality. She served as the food editor for ABC’s Good Morning America from 1997 to 2012 and hosted Cooking Live , Cooking Live Primetime , and Sara’s Secrets on the Food Network.

Moulton has authored several cookbooks, including Sara Moulton Cooks at Home (2002), Sara’s Secrets for Weeknight Meals (2005), and Sara Moulton’s Everyday Family Dinners (2010). Since 2008, she has hosted Sara’s Weeknight Meals .

8

Guy Fieri

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This easily recognizable and colorful personality is widely known for hosting many television series on The Food Network, licensing his name to restaurants in cities worldwide, and for his signature flashy shirts and spiky hair. His shows are said to bring an "element of rowdy, mass-market culture to American food television."

A series of TV specials and cooking shows showcase Fieri traveling the country visiting eateries, cooking, participating in and hosting game shows, and making appearances in other chefs’ shows.

9

Mary Ann Esposito

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Being the hostess of the longest-running television cooking program in America is no small feat, and Mary Ann Esposito—chef, cookbook writer, and central figure of _Ciao Italia_—has achieved just that.

This 30-minute show features Esposito's recipes and cooking tips, along with visits from guest chefs, as she explores the history of Italian cooking and food. The food is made from scratch in the studio, with each dish being prepared in numerous batches and at different recipe stages. This allows Esposito to execute an entire recipe in a matter of minutes, even if it would normally take hours to complete.

10

Anthony Bourdain

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One of the most famous names in American television cooking history is, without a doubt, Anthony Bourdain. After honing his skills in various eateries and graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, including several years as executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles in Manhattan, he became best known for his travel documentaries, where he explored local cuisines from around the world, as well as for his books.

His first food and world-travel television show was A Cook's Tour , which was followed by Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations , The Layover , and Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. His funny, philosophical, and daredevil attitude made him a beloved figure in the world of television food shows.

1

Mickey Mouse: first fictional character

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Mickey Mouse, the iconic character created by Walt Disney, became the first fictional character to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Honored in 1978, Mickey’s star celebrates his influence on entertainment and his status as a cultural icon.

The ceremony marked the 50th anniversary of Mickey’s debut in Steamboat Willie , a milestone in animation history. The star is located at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard, a fitting tribute to the mouse who built an empire. Mickey's star paved the way for other beloved fictional characters to be recognized. Animation also holds a special place in Hollywood’s heart!

2

Joanne Woodward: first to be photographed

Image: Noom Peerapong

The beginning of the Walk of Fame was a process rather than a moment, which is why we cannot appoint a single person as the first one to receive this honor. However, Joanne Woodward, an accomplished actress of the 1950s, was the first person ever photographed with a star on the Walk of Fame.

Awarded in 1960, she was part of the very first group of stars to be unveiled. Her star, located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, honors her remarkable career in film and television, including her Academy Award-winning performance in The Three Faces of Eve . The image of her kneeling beside her star became an iconic moment in Hollywood history and it was the moment that set the future ceremony tradition around the stars!

3

Gene Autry: how many?

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Known as the "Singing Cowboy," Gene Autry is the only entertainer with not one, not two, not even three… but five stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! What an accomplishment, don’t you think?

His stars are scattered along Hollywood Boulevard and each one of them represents his contributions to different areas of entertainment: film, television, music, radio, and live performance. Autry’s career spanned decades, and he was a pioneer in popularizing country music and Western films. With so much on his resume, five stars are suddenly not enough!

4

Harrison Ford: which one of them?

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The name "Harrison Ford" appears twice on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but this is not like Gene Auntry’s case. The two "Ford" stars honor two different individuals. Do you know who they are?

The first star, located at 6665 Hollywood Boulevard, belongs to the silent film actor Harrison Ford, who was active in the early 20th century. The second star, located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, honors the modern-day actor known for his roles in Star Wars and Indiana Jones .

Despite sharing the same name, these stars commemorate different careers. It’s a quirky detail that adds an intriguing layer of Hollywood history to the Walk of Fame, don’t you think?

5

Bugs Bunny: what’s up, walk of fame?

Image: Nate Biddle

What’s up, doc? Bugs Bunny hopped onto the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1985, making him one of the most famous cartoon characters to get a star. Voiced by the incredible Mel Blanc, Bugs is known for his snappy comebacks and carrot-chomping swagger.

His star, located at 7007 Hollywood Boulevard, celebrates his role as the ultimate animated troublemaker. Bugs is so much more than just a cartoon character, he has brought laughter and joy to many generations. His star is a fitting tribute to the bunny with brains, who said the Hollywood Walk of Fame was just for real-life entertainers?

6

Ray Bradbury: writing his way to the stars

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Just as fictional characters can have a great impact on Hollywood, so can writers. After all, writers and their work have inspired many movies and series. True as that can be, only two writers have stars on the Walk of Fame.

Ray Bradbury, the literary genius behind Fahrenheit 451 and The Martian Chronicles , got his own star on the Walk of Fame in 2002 . Bradbury’s imagination took us to distant planets and dystopian futures, and Hollywood couldn’t help but take notice. His star at 6644 Hollywood Boulevard honors his profound influence on movies and TV through his books. Only two novelists have stars on the Walk, and Bradbury’s spot is well-deserved. Curious about the other novelist with a star? It’s Sidney Sheldon!

7

Disneyland: a magical addition

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If you thought a fictional character receiving a star was a bit unusual, wait until you find out that even some corporations have their own star! But it’s for a good reason, trust us!

Disneyland, the happiest place on Earth, got its own star on the Walk of Fame in 2005. Though it’s not technically on the Walk (city rules, go figure), the star sits right next to it, near Disney’s Soda Fountain on Hollywood Boulevard.

Opened in 1955, the park is a cornerstone of entertainment history, which is why it has received a star. Even without a spot on the official Walk, Disneyland’s star shines just as bright. It’s the ultimate fairy-tale ending!

8

Julia Louis-Dreyfus: a star with a funny twist

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Now, you haven’t heard the quirkiest detail. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a place of honor, but that doesn’t mean it’s free of mistakes.

In 2010, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the comedy queen from Seinfeld and Veep , received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But here’s the kicker: They misspelled her name as "Julia Luis Dreyfus" at first!

The mistake was quickly fixed, and it became a hilarious story. But a star for a comedian like her couldn’t go without a funny anecdote. Now, her star at 6250 Hollywood Boulevard is spelled correctly and honors her amazing TV career.

9

Dick Van Dyke: spelling erratum

Image: Annie Spratt

Dick Van Dyke, the man who made us all want to sing and dance, received his Walk of Fame star in 1993. But, oops! They misspelled his name initially too! His star read "Vandyke" when it was first installed, but don’t worry the mistake was soon fixed.

The mix-up was corrected, and his star at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard now proudly displays his name the right way. Van Dyke’s star honors his legendary career in TV and film, from Mary Poppins to The Dick Van Dyke Show . The little hiccup just adds to the fun-loving spirit of his legacy. After all, if anyone can laugh off a typo, it’s Dick Van Dyke!

10

Lassie: everyone’s best friend

Image: Kanashi

Who didn’t wish to have a dog like Lassie at home? Lassi is the most famous collie in the world and she got her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. Well, at least the character did because, spoiler alert, Lassie was played by many dogs!

Lassie’s star, located at 6368 Hollywood Boulevard, honors her role as TV’s favorite four-legged hero. She’s one of only four dogs to receive a star, and honestly, she deserves it for all the lives she’s "saved" on screen.

The star isn’t just for one dog, it’s for every amazing canine that played Lassie over the years. It was only fair that a man’s best friend received a star on such an iconic street!