Jamal Roberts, the Season 23 winner of American Idol, was met with an overwhelming wave of praise after delivering a show-stopping rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship in Miami Gardens.
What was meant to be a ceremonial pregame moment quickly turned into one of the most talked-about performances of the night, with viewers across the country calling it emotional, powerful, and unforgettable.
As Roberts took the microphone ahead of kickoff between Indiana and Miami, the stadium fell silent. By the time he reached the final notes, social media had erupted. Fans described the performance as “phenomenal,” “breathtakingly beautiful,” and “magnificent,” with many praising how he infused the anthem with gospel-rooted passion while maintaining respect for its tradition.
Comments poured in celebrating his vocal control, emotional depth, and unmistakable authenticity, with Mississippi natives proudly noting that Roberts “represented the state well” on a national stage.
For Roberts, 27, the moment marked a full-circle journey. Just one year earlier, he was best known as a P.E. teacher from Meridian, Mississippi with a gift for gospel music. That changed during American Idol Season 23, when he captured the nation’s attention and went on to win the competition with a record-breaking 26 million votes, the largest finale vote total in the show’s history. His emotional delivery and humility resonated deeply with viewers, helping him outlast finalists John Foster and Brianna Nix in the live finale.
His success did not stop with the Idol crown. Roberts’ debut single “Heal” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs and Gospel Digital Song charts, and he later earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Gospel Performance/Song for the live version of “Still,” recorded with Jonathan McReynolds. He also expanded beyond gospel audiences, performing alongside Brandy and Monica on The Boy Is Mine tour, further cementing his growing mainstream appeal.
The anthem performance was part of a thoughtfully curated pregame ceremony. Before Roberts appeared, the Florida Memorial University Ambassador Chorale performed “America the Beautiful,” accompanied by American Sign Language performances from Brianna Therve and Maria Pernalete, adding an inclusive and deeply moving dimension to the event.
According to USA TODAY, Roberts also made history as the first Black male winner of American Idol since Ruben Studdard in 2003, a milestone that gave added weight to his presence on one of the most-watched stages in American sports.
By the end of the night, even fans who tuned in strictly for football found themselves talking about Jamal Roberts. From Mississippi classrooms to primetime television and now the CFP National Championship, his anthem performance didn’t just open the biggest game of the year—it confirmed that his rise is no fluke, but the beginning of a lasting career built on talent, humility, and undeniable soul.
