Home News ON THE BIGGEST STAGE OF HIS LIFE, Jamal Roberts Didn’t Just Sing — He Arrived. As the opening notes of The National Anthem rang out, the stadium fell into a rare, collective stillness. This wasn’t just another ceremonial performance. For Jamal Roberts, it marked a fateful milestone — one that reached tens of millions of viewers, eclipsing even the night he was crowned American Idol. His voice was calm, controlled, and unmistakably confident, carrying the weight of the moment without ever forcing it. But those watching closely noticed something deeper — a single, subtle detail that transformed the performance from impressive to unforgettable. It wasn’t in the high notes or the final phrase. It was quieter than that. More personal. And once you see it, you can’t unsee it… video below 👇

ON THE BIGGEST STAGE OF HIS LIFE, Jamal Roberts Didn’t Just Sing — He Arrived. As the opening notes of The National Anthem rang out, the stadium fell into a rare, collective stillness. This wasn’t just another ceremonial performance. For Jamal Roberts, it marked a fateful milestone — one that reached tens of millions of viewers, eclipsing even the night he was crowned American Idol. His voice was calm, controlled, and unmistakably confident, carrying the weight of the moment without ever forcing it. But those watching closely noticed something deeper — a single, subtle detail that transformed the performance from impressive to unforgettable. It wasn’t in the high notes or the final phrase. It was quieter than that. More personal. And once you see it, you can’t unsee it… video below 👇

News Admin · January 21, 2026 · Comments off

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”

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Jamal Roberts sings the national anthem before the CFP National Championship college football game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images\n

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.

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