Best National Anthem Performance Ever - Kendall Robbins at USC Graduation Ceremony 2023

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For as long as I can remember, our daughter Kendall has been humming, singing, or strumming a guitar. It’s like she was born with music in her veins and a song in her heart. By the time she hit our public high school, she was singing the national anthem before almost every football game.

When it came time for college, there was only one place she wanted to be: University of Southern California. She applied to USC's Popular Music Program.

I'm not gonna lie; it was a very intense application process. We had to do all the normal applications plus submit supplemental applications and a videotape in order to land an on-campus audition for the program.

When we created the tape, we put a little clip in there of Kendall (in her field hockey uniform) singing that national anthem into a crappy microphone before her own game.

Well, she landed that audition.

And she was accepted as one of two vocalists in the Pop Music Program at USC Thornton School of Music.

Fast forward five years, and I’m not only shocked by how fast it went, and how much she’s grown, but I am also still processing what just happened.

This past week in LA, Kendall gave her final presentation... in the exact same theater where she auditioned five years ago.

At her graduation ceremony, she had the remarkable honor of singing the national anthem at the USC 140th Commencement Ceremony in front of 20,000 of her fellow graduates.

Talk about a full circle moment!

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[lesleyl]

I started to cry and I’m not even American and I don’t live in the US. Kendall Robbins sings like an angel.

[unklemilty]

As a retired Marine, I must admit Kendall's version brought tears to my eyes. The purity and almost haunting clarity of her voice evokes a visceral response which highlights the true essence of this anthem. The SSB is not a platform for "performers" to defile in their endeavors to brand it as their own, rather it is a stark reminder of the true cost of freedom. Kudo's to you Kendall, for your beautiful rendition; it is for people like you whom I humbly, and proudly served...

[shereehanna]

Just amazing! As her mother, Mel, I am imagining how much your heart and emotion was bursting. I was moved to tears by the end.

[ruthkirkus]

I‘m not American, but hearing Kendall‘s voice brought more than one tear to my eye..Truly beautiful.

[mariettesonthemove]

I love how she held back her power until the end! Gave me chills!

[jodiemc]

Definite chills both times & I’m from Australia!! What a beautiful voice with such natural authenticity & grace when singing her own national anthem! One of the best I’ve heard👏🏻

[juneburke]

Wowzy!! What a beautiful angel she is. I was mesmerized by Kendall's voice. Kendall absolutely knows where she needs to be in this world - I can see it in her eyes - and hear it in her voice. I watched it twice - had to put it on full volume. I cried - happy tears - I'm not even American! Keep sharing that beautiful voice - special angel. Thank you for sharing, Kendall and Mel!

[roxannabrams]

As a Gold Star Mother, thank you Kendall for honoring my son with your beautiful voice!

[lisamichelle]

This beautiful voice needs to be shared with the world.

[Itsmehi]

Apple doesn’t fall from the the tree … a radiating star like her momma! Superb!

[barbarastepp]

WOW! Probably the most beautiful rendition of Our National Anthem that I've ever heard! It literally brought me to tears! Thank you Kendall! Thank you Mel for sharing with us.

[donnawoollett]

I'm Canadian but her singing the American National Anthem gave me chills! Great job!

[michelleking]

Kendall, this was fantastic! I cannot wait for your first album to drop and to hear you on the radio!!

[Vger]

Sent shivers up my spine and I'm an Aussie. Beautiful voice.

[lillybits]

Acapella people. Acapella! Awesome rendition ❤😊❤😊

[JO_]

Absolutely beautiful!!!! The only other artist that sang our Anthem Acapella wonderfully was Whitney Houston at the super Bowl prior to the start of the 1st Afghan war.
Seriously I love our Anthem and your daughter brought tears to my eyes!!
Thank you for sharing...I know you and Chris are so very proud!!!!🇱🇷💫❣️

[kathyroberts]

Here after her Spotify release.
Good Job❤

[GuamChamorrita]

WOW!! What a proud Mama moment!! WAY to go Kendal girl!! Go get 'em!!👏👏👏👏👏👏

[brisfordneville]

Incredible voice and what a fantastic, perfect rendition of our National Anthem! Bravo!

[ElaineCassells-pdxp]

Oh wow Mel, that was stunning you must be so very proud. Well done Kendall. You did good Mama! Xx