On the 19th (local time), he sang the national anthem at the college football championship… Moved 22 million viewers, the winner of season 23 with a record 26 million votes… A double celebration as he is nominated for a Grammy in the gospel category, following Ruben Studdard… Kelly Clarkson praised him as “a voice that makes you believe in God”
Jamal Roberts (28), an ordinary physical education teacher from Mississippi, once again touched the heart of America on the biggest stage of his life.
According to American sports and entertainment news on the 20th (Korean time), Roberts sang the national anthem (The Star-Spangled Banner) at the pre-game event of the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on the 19th (local time).
◆ An Audience of 22 Million Beyond the Audition Stage
This stage holds special meaning for Roberts. The viewership for last year’s final reached 22.1 million, making it a larger scale than the final of ‘American Idol’ where he won. His voice, layered over the grand melody arranged by Grammy winner Adam Blackstone, filled the stadium, and 18-year-old Maria Fernalete added to the emotion with sign language interpretation.
◆ The Man Who Set a Record After 22 Years
In May 2025, Roberts won season 23 with a record 26 million votes, the highest in the history of ‘American Idol’ after moving to ABC. This overwhelming support was double the vote count of the previous season’s winner. He also earned the title of the first Black male winner in 22 years since Ruben Studdard.
As a father of three daughters and a physical education teacher at Meridian Crestwood Elementary School, he has been thriving since his victory, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart with his debut single ‘Heal’.
◆ A ‘Grammy Nominated’ Singer Who Moved Kelly Clarkson
Roberts’ journey does not stop here. He is nominated for Best Gospel Performance at the upcoming Grammy Awards with the live version of ‘Still’ sung with Jonathan McReynolds. On the 16th, he appeared on the talk show of the original ‘American Idol’, Kelly Clarkson, and showcased this song, moving Clarkson to tears as she praised, “It’s so touching. If people didn’t believe in God, they would after hearing your song“.
Meanwhile, ‘American Idol’, which produced Roberts, will return to viewers with a new season on January 26.
