Jamal Roberts’ momentum shows no signs of slowing following his American Idol victory. The Season 23 champion has landed one of the most high-profile performances of his young career: singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship.
The title game will take place January 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where Roberts will deliver a specially arranged rendition of the national anthem by acclaimed music director Adam Blackstone. Joining him will be 18-year-old Maria Pernalete, who will perform the anthem in American Sign Language.
Since winning American Idol with a record-breaking 26 million votes, Roberts has quickly translated his success into major career milestones. His debut single, “Heal,” topped Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs and Gospel Digital Song charts. He has also opened for Brandy and Monica on their sold-out The Boy Is Mine Tour and earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Gospel Performance/Song for the live version of “Still,” his collaboration with Jonathan McReynolds.
Roberts’ performance is just one highlight of an expansive pregame celebration planned for the national championship. The ceremony will begin with the presentation of the Nation’s Colors by a Joint Armed Forces Color Guard from the Military District of Washington, followed by the unfurling of a massive American flag by Miami-Dade community volunteers.
Fans will also see live video feeds of U.S. service members stationed overseas as they watch the game, a flyover by U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Miami, and a special appearance by drummers from the participating teams’ marching bands during the anthem.
Before Roberts takes the field, the Florida Memorial University Ambassador Chorale will perform “America the Beautiful,” accompanied by 17-year-old Brianna Therve providing ASL interpretation. Pregame and halftime performances will also feature the marching bands of both competing teams.
Additional festivities include honoring the 2025 Teacher of the Year from each U.S. state and territory. ESPN sideline reporter Stormy Buonantony will return as the in-stadium emcee, with music provided by DJ Mal-Ski and a performance from Hussein & The Fire Drummers alongside eight Latin percussionists.
Pregame events inside Hard Rock Stadium will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET, with kickoff scheduled for 7:50 p.m. ET. The championship matchup will feature No. 1 seed Indiana taking on No. 10 seed Miami.