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National Anthem Before Penn State-Notre Dame Game Catches Attention

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jan 9, 2025 8:01 PM ET

The first game of the College Football Playoff semifinals kicked off in Miami, Florida, when the Notre Dame Fighting Irish battled the Penn State Nittany Lions from the Orange Bowl. The two programs will be fighting for a spot in the national championship.

Ahead of the important game, "The Star-Spangled Banner" was performed by musical theater star Ellie Rose. The performance of the national anthem at the Orange Bowl carried significant value, with many residents of the Los Angeles area affected by the devastating fires that have taken place over the last few days.

College football fans appreciated Rose's performance before the Notre Dame-Penn State game, leaving their thoughts on it on social media.

"This girl just crushed the national anthem at the Orange Bowl game. The sound system said mercy to that vocal range!" one fan said.

This girl just crushed the national anthem at the Orange Bowl game. The sound system said mercy to that vocal range! #ellierose #orangebowl #CFP ⁦@espn⁩ pic.twitter.com/IGTKb0mBgZ
— Todd Speed (@ToddBSpeed) January 10, 2025

"Incredible rendition of the national anthem by Ellie Rose at the @CFBPlayoff," added another.

"That was a damn good national anthem," said a third.

"Nothing better than a great performance of the National Anthem before a sporting event," chimed in a fourth.

"Some brace faced 12 year old girl just absolutely nailed the National Anthem before tonight’s CFP game," posted a fifth.

"I don’t know who it was that sang the National Anthem at the Notre Dame/Penn State game but she did an awesome job," commented a sixth.

Rose, 14, is well known for her work for the popular musical "Annie" on the Broadway National Tour. She has performed the role all over the United States, but most frequently in her home state of Florida, where the game was held.

The young singer has also performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" for different professional sports teams across the nation, including the Florida Panthers, Miami Marlins and Denver Broncos.

Meanwhile, the winner of Notre Dame vs. Penn State will face the winner of the Cotton Bowl between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns in the National Championship Game on Jan. 20.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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