As American Idol prepares to launch a brand-new season, last year’s winner Jamal Roberts is reminding everyone exactly why America voted him to the top.
Season 24 of the hit ABC series premieres Monday, January 26, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET—but before the spotlight shifts to a new group of hopefuls, Jamal has delivered a performance that has fans buzzing across social media.
A National Moment on a National Stage
Roberts was recently selected to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 19, where the Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Miami Hurricanes. Singing in front of a packed stadium and millions watching nationwide, Jamal delivered a powerful, emotional rendition that instantly became a standout moment of the night.
He later shared the performance on Instagram, calling the experience an honor and using the moment to tease his upcoming music.
“Truly honored to have sung the National Anthem at the CFP National Championship 🇺🇸🏈,” Jamal wrote. “Beyond grateful for this moment and excited to share that my new single ‘Head Up’ is on the way. Pre-save it now. 🎶🤍”
Fans Flood the Comments
It didn’t take long for fans to fill the comments section with praise.
“There’s a reason why he won Idol last year 🔥 man’s can SANG,” one fan wrote.
“Sheeeeesh 🤯🔥 Might be one of the best anthem renditions in history,” another added.
“Flawless. You did it your way—and it was AMAZING,” a third commented.
Viewers watching the game echoed the same sentiment on social media, with many calling Roberts’ rendition one of the best national anthem performances they’d ever heard.
One post read, “Jamal Roberts just delivered one of the best national anthems we’ve ever seen.” Another added, “He crushed it—perfectly done without overdoing it.”
Unshaken, Unforgettable
Even as the stadium erupted with mixed reactions when President Donald Trump appeared on the big screen during the game, Roberts remained composed and focused, never missing a beat—a moment fans also praised as a sign of his professionalism and confidence.
A Star Still Rising
The anthem performance comes during an already massive year for Jamal. The singer recently earned a 2026 Grammy Award nomination for Best Gospel Performance/Song for the live version of “Still,” recorded with Jonathan McReynolds—further proof that his momentum hasn’t slowed since winning American Idol in May 2025.
With a new single on the way, major live performances under his belt, and awards recognition rolling in, Jamal Roberts is proving that his American Idol victory was only the beginning.
And as the next season kicks off, one thing is clear: the bar has officially been set. 🎤✨
