The first national title in nearly 40 years and the 3rd in school history are both within reach for the PSU. One of college football’s most recognizable postseason games, the Orange Bowl, has a long history dating back over a century, and its recent history is undoubtedly filled with exciting halftime performances.

The Festival of Palms Bowl, which was first envisioned in 1932, swiftly became into a significant occasion that included the finest college football, and in 1935 it changed its name to the Orange Bowl with no assurance of team participation. It has come to be associated with memorable games, great players, and moments that define championships over the years. But with this change, it became a well-known playoff event that would even have big halftime performances like the national Anthem of Orange Bowl.

Who will perform during the halftime in 2025?

While the athletes recuperate and get ready for the second half, the Miami crowd will be welcomed to some country music in the semifinal (Penn State vs Notre Dame). ACM New Male Artist and Billboard Rookie of the Year Nate Smith will headline the 2025 Halftime Show during the Orange Bowl, marking the return of the most recognizable halftime show in CFB, according to the event’s official website.

At the 2025 Capital One Orange Bowl, the music artist will play the bowl national anthem. After his song “Wildfire” went popular on TikTok in 2020, he signed a record deal with Sony Music Nashville and became well-known in the country music industry. He has since released a number of hits that have reached the top of the charts, such as “Whiskey on You,” “World on Fire,” and “Bulletproof,” making him a well-known name in the business with over 1.6 billion career streams. Don’t assume everything was completed quickly because the journey began a long time ago. Where, though, is it from?

Smith was raised in California, and Fleetwood Mac and Garth Brooks were among his early musical influences. When he moved to Nashville at the age of 23, he signed with Word Records at first, then RCA Records’ Nashville division1, and his career took off. Since then, he has received many awards for his poignant words and strong vocals. As of right now, he will be more well-liked due to his Orange Bowl performance tonight. But do you know who sang the Orange Bowl National Anthem before him and who will join Smith tonight?

Performer for the Orange Bowl in 2025 and earlier

Fitz and the Tantrums, Walker Hayes, Gavin DeGraw, Flo Rida, and Andy Grammer are just a few of the notable former Capital One Orange Bowl halftime performers that Nate Smith has joined. Fans can expect to see another country singer, Lauren Alaina, as she will be the primary attraction at the Orange Bowl Fan Fest, in addition to Nate Smith at halftime.

However, before 2025, on January 1, 2024, at the 2024 Capital One Orange Bowl, Fantasia sang the national anthem. During the 2023 Capital One Orange Bowl, King Bell performed the national anthem. However, are you aware of the origins or history of the Orange Bowl national anthem?

“The Star-Spangled Banner,” composed by Francis Scott Key in 1814, is the national anthem played during the Orange Bowl. Key’s experiences during the attack of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 are reflected in the anthem’s lyrics. The famous opening line of the hymn is, “O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light...” yet we are unable to supply the entire words. After all the dangers, it just signifies a new start.

Let’s now see if Penn State and Notre Dame can win the game to begin a new chapter in their histories with such magnificent halftime performances.