Jamal Roberts found himself under the brightest lights yet when he took center stage to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship in Miami Gardens. Sung moments before kickoff between Indiana and Miami, the performance marked a defining milestone in the American Idol Season 23 winner’s rapidly accelerating career—and unfolded in front of the largest audience he had ever faced.
For countless viewers, the anthem served as their first introduction to a voice that had quietly reshaped its own destiny over the past year. At just 27, Roberts’ journey had already crossed remarkable ground, carrying him from a P.E. teacher in Meridian, Mississippi, to one of the most-watched sporting events in the country.
Roberts rose to national prominence during American Idol Season 23, capturing the title with an unprecedented 26 million votes—the highest total in the show’s history. Week after week, his gospel-inspired vocals, raw emotion, and unmistakable sincerity struck a chord with audiences, ultimately setting him apart from fellow finalists John Foster and Brianna Nix during the three-hour live finale.
His post-Idol ascent has been just as impressive. Roberts’ debut single, “Heal,” stormed to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs and Gospel Digital Song charts. Soon after, a live recording of “Still” with Jonathan McReynolds earned him a GRAMMY nomination, further cementing his arrival. Beyond gospel, he demonstrated his range by joining Brandy and Monica on select dates of The Boy Is Mine tour, introducing his voice to new audiences nationwide.
The national anthem performance took place on Monday, January 19, 2026, following a pregame tribute that included a stirring rendition of “America the Beautiful” by the Florida Memorial University Ambassador Chorale. American Sign Language performances by Brianna Therve and Maria Pernalete added depth, inclusivity, and emotion to the ceremony.
As noted by USA TODAY, Roberts also carries a historic distinction—becoming the first Black male winner of American Idol since Ruben Studdard in 2003—making his presence on such a massive stage even more meaningful.
When Jamal Roberts stepped up to the microphone before the CFP National Championship, he wasn’t just performing for the teams on the field. He was singing for millions watching around the world. And by the final note, it was clear: the moment met the man, and the performance left an impression that lingered long after kickoff.
