The big college football final showdown is finally here! The ultimate National Championship game between the two best CFB teams—Notre Dame and Ohio State. And it only takes the best to be part of the highly anticipated pre-game entertainment. It’s sure going to be a night of feels, heartfelt tributes, and some seriously good tunes. And guess who are the nation’s best performers taking a trip to Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta to entertain fans with the Star-Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful?
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Who’s performing Star-Spangled Banner?
The Notre Dame vs. OSU National Championship game is a game you don’t want to miss. But it’ll be incomplete with the show preceding it, which is headlined by Grammy award-winning artist Coco Jones, who will be performing the Star-Spangled Banner National Anthem. The 27-year-old Nashville artist is known for her soulful hits like “Here We Go” and “ICU.” She’ll be accompanied by Music Director Adam Blackstone along with a Joint Armed Forces Color Guard.
The anthem ceremony will also witness the unfurling of the American flag by Atlanta community volunteers, followed by the performance of drummers from Ohio State and Notre Dame bands to honor the CFP tradition. 12th grader Alexander Charlot from Monroe, Georgia, will perform the National Anthem in American Sign Language. The 20-year-old attends the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf.
Who’s performing America the Beautiful?
The Spelman College Glee Club will be the one performing America the Beautiful in the pre-game show. Under Dr. Kevin Johnson’s direction, the Glee Club is the oldest collegiate choir for African American women, celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. For this, 14-year-old Johrgia Peaches will perform in ASL.
Like Charlot, this 8th-grader also goes to the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf. As America the Beautiful plays on, fans will be treated to a live video of US Airmen over the US Central Command region. There’s another patriotic aspect that honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day. His King Center CEO daughter, Dr. Bernice King, will take part in the coin toss on the field.
Even the events leading up to the game are packed with excitement. But the game itself is going to make or break many people’s hearts. Both Ohio State and Notre Dame are coming off of a strong playoff history, with the Buckeyes being over a touchdown favorite in this final contest. It’s going to be a very intense and emotional game for both players and fans alike.
Don’t be late. The pre-game festivities start at 7:30 PM ET before the kickoff at 7:45 PM ET.
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M.R. Jenifer