Jamal Roberts Shines At College Football Playoff Final

On Monday night, the air at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens buzzed with anticipation—not just for the College Football Playoff National Championship game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes, but also for the voice that would open the evening’s spectacle. That honor went to Jamal Roberts, a Mississippi native whose meteoric rise from elementary school gym teacher to national sensation has captivated fans across the country.

Roberts, just 28 years old, stepped onto the field to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” before an audience of tens of thousands in the stands and millions more watching at home. His selection as the anthem singer for one of sports’ biggest nights was a testament to his remarkable journey over the past year—a journey that began in the pews of his hometown church in Meridian, Mississippi, and catapulted him into the national spotlight as the winner of American Idol Season 23.

According to TV Insider, Roberts clinched the Idol crown in May 2025, besting all comers with a show-stopping finale performance. His winning moment was a record-breaker: 26 million votes poured in from viewers, setting a new high since the show moved to ABC and doubling the previous season’s tally. As Good Housekeeping and other outlets reported, Roberts’ Idol victory came with a $250,000 cash prize, typically structured as an advance on a recording contract. The deal included half paid upfront and the rest upon completion of his debut album, along with additional stipends for each of the 19 episodes in which he appeared—amounting to another $20,000 to $30,000 in performance fees.

But Roberts’ story is about more than numbers. As The Sporting News noted, he’s the second African-American man to win American Idol, following in the footsteps of Ruben Studdard (2003). A father of three, Roberts spent years teaching physical education at Crestwood Elementary in Meridian. Even after his Idol win, he returned to the school to finish the academic year, a move that endeared him to fans and reinforced his reputation as a grounded, community-oriented figure.

His post-Idol career has been anything but quiet. Roberts’ debut single, a stirring cover of “Heal,” shot straight to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart, according to Billboard. The song’s lyrics, which speak of pain, hope, and spiritual renewal, resonated with audiences well beyond the gospel community. “Take my mind and take my pain / Like an empty bottle takes the rain / And heal, heal, heal, heal, heal,” Roberts sings, his voice carrying both vulnerability and conviction.

Roberts also joined the “The Boy Is Mine” tour in fall 2025, sharing the stage with R&B icons Brandy and Monica, as well as Kelly Rowland and Muni Long. His live performances continued to draw acclaim, culminating in his first Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Song/Performance for his collaboration with Jonathan McReynolds on the song “Still.” The track’s lyrics, “He still loves me,” became an anthem of gratitude and faith for many listeners.

Monday night’s pregame ceremony was a showcase not just for Roberts, but for Miami’s rich musical and cultural tapestry. Before Roberts took the stage, the Florida Memorial University Ambassador Chorale delivered a powerful rendition of “America the Beautiful,” while Miami-area high school students provided American Sign Language interpretations for both songs—a tradition the College Football Playoff (CFP) has expanded in recent years to foster inclusivity and community engagement, as reported by AP and other outlets.

Kickoff for the championship game was officially set for 7:30 p.m. ET, but the pregame performances pushed the actual start closer to 7:50 p.m. ET. The stadium, located just a short drive from the University of Miami campus, was packed with fans despite ticket prices reaching historic highs. According to Ticketdata, the lowest “get-in” price hovered around $3,652 just 24 hours before kickoff, making it one of the most expensive college football tickets since 2009.

For Roberts, the night was another milestone in a year defined by rapid transformation. His net worth, estimated between $400,000 and $600,000 as of January 2026, reflects not only his Idol winnings and performance fees but also earnings from streaming royalties and live appearances. Yet, Roberts has spoken openly about his priorities. As Marca and Good Housekeeping reported, he’s focused less on luxury and more on providing for his family’s future. “I’m not looking for a luxurious lifestyle,” Roberts has said. “I’m putting my earnings in the bank to ensure my daughters’ future.”

His humility and work ethic have resonated with fans nationwide. Roberts’ journey from small-town teacher to Grammy-nominated artist is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the enduring power of music to unite and inspire. As the anthem’s final notes echoed through Hard Rock Stadium, it was clear that Roberts’ performance was more than just a prelude to a football game—it was a celebration of a new American story, one rooted in community, resilience, and hope.

With the lights of Miami shining bright and the nation watching, Jamal Roberts stood center stage, a symbol of possibility for anyone with a dream and the courage to chase it. As the Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes prepared to battle for college football’s greatest prize, Roberts had already won something just as valuable: the hearts of a nation eager for stories of triumph, humility, and hope.