American Idol Winner Jamal Roberts Stuns Millions With Emotional Anthem Performance

  • byJasmin
  • January 21, 2026
  • 2 minute read
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Jamal Roberts sings "The Star-Spangled Banner"
Jamal Roberts sings the national anthem ahead of Monday’s college championship game.(Photo credit: ESPN/YouTube)

American Idol Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts brought a performance of the national anthem to Hard Rock Stadium on Monday night (January 19).

Jamal Roberts had the honor of kicking off the 2026 College Football Championship Game held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, with a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The historic game is the first time the Indiana Hoosiers have competed in a national championship. They are facing the Miami Hurricanes.

Jamal stood in center field, looking dapper in a black suit as he sang. American Sign Language performer Maria Pernalete accompanied him. Jamal stayed true to the anthem’s melody, adding his own soulful sound that only enhanced the emotion of the powerful lyrics.

Roberts’ performance of the national anthem received praise from viewers who called it “magnificent” and “one of the best renditions we’ve ever heard.”

Watch Jamal Roberts sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” in the video below.

About Jamal Roberts

Jamal Roberts rose to fame as the winner of Season 23 of American Idol. His cover of Tom Odell’s “Heal,” as performed on the reality singing competition, topped the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs Chart.

Following his Idol win, Jamal earned a Grammy nod for his version of the gospel hit, “Still” in collaboration with Jonathan McReynolds.

The P.E. teacher and dad of three shattered American Idol voting records by earning more winning votes from the public than any other competitor in the history of the show.

Jamal Roberts is the latest in a string of high-profile artists to have the honor of singing the national anthem at the college football championship. Among those who have previously sang at the event are 2004 Idol winner Fantasia, contemporary Christian artist Natalie Grant, a capella group Pentatonix, and Grammy nominee Coco Jones.

 

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