Now that is how you perform “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Moments before kickoff at the NFC Championship Game, the Seattle Seahawks gave fans more than just football—they delivered a performance that instantly stole the spotlight. Taking center field at Lumen Field was a rising country star with deep Washington roots and a voice built for moments this big: Zach Top.
If the name sounds familiar, there’s a good chance you’ve already belted out “I Sleep Like a Baby” at full volume in your car. And if not, you definitely know him now.
A Hometown Voice on a National Stage
The 28-year-old singer, born and raised in Sunnyside, Washington, returned home to deliver one of the most talked-about anthem performances of the NFL postseason. Not exactly the place you’d expect to find a classic country twang—but that hasn’t stopped the internet from jokingly questioning whether his accent is “too country” to be real.
Conspiracy theories aside, no one was questioning his talent.
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Zach Top has quickly become the face of the neotraditional country movement, channeling the sound of country legends while making it feel fresh. That reputation earned him the honor of performing the national anthem before one of the biggest games of the season.
An Anthem That Stopped the Stadium
As kickoff approached, Top stepped onto the field and delivered a note-perfect, emotionally charged rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” With the massive American flag unfurled behind him and a flyover soaring above the stadium, the moment felt bigger than football.
For many watching, it was the first time hearing Zach Top—and it certainly won’t be the last. Social media lit up almost instantly, with fans scrambling to Google, “Who is Zach Top?”
Longtime country fans already knew. They were ready. And they weren’t disappointed.
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A Moment Fans Won’t Forget
The performance had it all: power, restraint, tradition, and heart. No over-singing. No unnecessary flourishes. Just a clean, respectful anthem delivered with confidence and soul.
By the time the final note rang out, it was clear—this might have been the highlight of the NFC Championship, and the game hadn’t even started yet.
NFL fans and country music fans agreed on one thing: Zach Top didn’t just sing the anthem—he owned it.
And if you didn’t know his name before that moment, you do now.
