Performing for his biggest audience yet, 2025 “American Idol” winner Jamal Roberts blew away viewers of the NCAA’s championship football game on January 19, 2026. Before kickoff for the Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes, Roberts performed the National Anthem at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, as at least 20 million fans watched around the world.
Earlier in the month, organizers of the College Football Playoffs announced Roberts — a soul singer and dad of three from Meridian, Mississippi — would perform “The Star-Spangled Banner,” delivering an arrangement by award-winning musician and composer Adam Blackstone. Roberts’ rendition, infused with his signature flair, blew away fans who immediately took to social media with glowing reviews.
Brandon Lake Says Jamal Roberts ‘Crushed’ National Anthem
Dressed in a classic black suit with a button-down white shirt — a rarity for Roberts, who’s become known for wearing colorful suits with a bare chest — the soulful crooner delivered a flawless performance.
Social media lit up with reactions from viewers, including some famous faces, like Contemporary Christian sensation Brandon Lake, who appeared several times on season 23 of “Idol.” Lake cheered on Roberts, commenting, “CRUSHED IT!!! 
”
The “American Idol” social media team chimed in with, “Unbelievable!!! A true Idol. 
” and season 23 finalist Slater Nalley wrote, “Yea bubba!!! That’s how you do it!”
Philadelphia news anchor Jason Martinez gushed, “That was legit a top 5 all-time Star Spangled Banner performance by Jamal Roberts.”
Fans tuning in for the game were just as mesmerized by Roberts’ rendition, including one who tweeted, “Jamal Roberts just delivered one of the best national anthem performances we’ve ever seen.”
Another tweeted, “Jamal Roberts crushed the National Anthem. One of the better renditions I can ever remember.”
Someone else tweeted, “That was an amazing star spangled banner. I hate when people try to get too crazy with it. Jamal Roberts did it just perfect.”
Fans also flooded Roberts’ Instagram post of his performance, including one who received hundreds of likes for writing, “There’s a reason why he won Idol last year 
man’s can SANG”
Even when the stadium erupted with a combination of cheers and boos as President Donald Trump was shown on the large screens, sitting in a suite with his family, Roberts didn’t flinch at the roar of the crowd.
Roberts has released several singles since his “American Idol” win in May 2025, and will soon release his latest, “Head Up,” now available to pre-save. The former physical education teacher spent the fall on tour with Brandy and Monica, and his duet with Jonathan McReynolds, “Still,” is nominated for a Grammy.