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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[@shereehanna45]

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.

[@thefox08]

My words, exactly!

[@elainef9387]

Me too and I’m from the UK! 🥹

[@katiewilliams5643]

This national anthem is beautiful what a beautiful voice

[@seandoughty767]

Perfect performance imo. As a 4 time combat vet she has me standing at attention with this performance. Beautiful voice and performance. I hope she has the success she deserves in life going forward. She is a very impressive young woman.

[@neilahearn9956]

I’m going to share your daughter’s version of our National Anthem liberally on Election Day, because it is a perfect version.

[@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...

[@Ethics-director-scp-lvl-5]

Thank you for your service. May god bless your soul.

[@lesleyl9643]

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

[@bettywallace3375]

She is terrible.

[@ruthkirkus7700]

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

[@donnie-lp6xh]

Frl I’m crying

[@mariettesonthemove]

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

[@bettywallace3375]

Does'nt take much to give you chills. Whitney Houston is still the GOAT. Chris Stapleton is second.

[@drappointment4509]

​​@@bettywallace3375Whitney Houston is the goat, but go listen to her version of this. She holds the notes too long and tries to make her own version of it. Instead of respecting the song how it was meant to be done.

[@Clarii-q7z]

Genuinely one of the best I’ve heard this song amazing🤍

[@jodiemc3105]

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👏🏻

[@samrothe1076]

Same here

[@juneburke7721]

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!

[@forestminuet]

I agree. Best ever. No crazy embellishments, just straight up beautiful amazing singing. Love

[@Itsmehi456]

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

[@lisamichelle3205]

This beautiful voice needs to be shared with the world.

[@carolgeorge6409]

Yes

[@michelleking3255]

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

[@lorenaahsing4974]

Your Daughter has Beautiful Voice Congratulations to her New Journey and Endeavors 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@Vger1111]

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

[@JenniferMayer-r4g]

Whoa, just beautiful! Big things ahead for your talented girl! Hope you had a wonderful mother's day.

[@ElaineCassells-pd3xp]

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

[@marymuller7110]

OMG Mel, you must have been bursting with pride. What a stunning young woman with a beautiful, beautiful voice. I would never be able to be so composed in front of that huge crowd. Clearly, you have done something right regarding your family, despite your self deprecating remarks. I would love to meet them one day. However, meeting you is at the top of my list. Hoping that one day the universe will bring us together.❤

[@J_O_95]

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!!!!🇱🇷💫❣️

[@brianbain112]

Beautiful Mel. Thanks for sharing.Kendall has a beautiful voice and style.

[@christianrogner]

Three letters Kendall - WOW!!!! Thank you so much Mel for sharing! ❤️❤️❤️

[@hetherflanigan89]

Love love love!! She is absolutely amazing and beautiful!! her voice is one Of an angel!!

[@jenniferadderley2566]

Wow! Brilliant with a beautiful voice, Congratulations with much success 🎓👏❤🎉

[@sandrasomerville2998]

Oh she is amazing!! So simple and natural. I agree with Jodie, the best I've heard and I'm from Aus too. Well done Kendall. Gosh she did well.

[@0hmygirl]

This made me cry. So beautiful. You must be so proud. Thank you for sharing this sweet sweet moment with us!

[@roxannabrams348]

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

[@staceyspeight4796]

Wow what a voice and such courage to do that. You must be so proud Mel xx

[@MoPozJo]

Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing, Mel. Kendall, as a music major it is hard for me to get goosebumps from the National Anthem. I had them listening to this! Congratulations on your amazing weekend!

[@brisfordneville3609]

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

[@bettywallace3375]

Are you serious? She wasn't terrible, but totally no where near the ballpark.

[@dougperry1907]

Kendall, your pitch, control, and feeling were excellent!

[@melissareynolds7804]

Oh my word, you must have cried a bucket of tears listening to that fabulous voice. I sure am. Congratulations!

[@noraguajardo128]

Beautiful young lady & beautiful voice. ❤

[@brendah-d9282]

Wow. Just WOW! Not an easy melody....and yet she made it seem that way - beautiful restraint, control, nuance, you name it.....but you guys have had a front row seat to that level of skill her whole life. Thank you for posting this. You and Chris must be beyond proud.... 🤩

[@debbiemiketta4545]

Just BEAUTIFUL!!! I can listen to her sing all day. Thank you for sharing and I hope to hear more.

[@tanyastankovitch6329]

Mel you have to be sooooo proud !! Great job Kendall !! Bravo 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@aaube2659]

Sung the way it ought to be sung. So well done!

[@Smalltime89]

TRULY AWESOME. CONGRATULATIONS 🙏🏽😇💖🌞🔥🔥🔥!!!

[@susanpane6956]

That lady is going places. Beautiful. Proud mama

[@saramartel706]

Beautiful goose bump moment! It must have been a proud moment for Mama Mel! Huge congrats!

[@phylisstuart2333]

was absolutely beautiful and such a sweet daughter, you are Blessed!!!

[@StrongerThanMyExcuses]

A very proud Mum moment for you Mel. Beautifully sung.

[@3houndhouse]

Beautiful! Gave me goose bumps. Congrats to her!

[@maracookoldaccount]

So pure. Thank you for sharing her triumph and talent!

[@GuamChamorrita]

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

[@JackieOdonnel]

What a songbird! Love it. Thanks for sharing with us. Congrats to Kendall!

[@sharonmeek1034]

Wow.. I’m from Australia and I felt emotional. What a beautiful voice..you must be a very proud Mumma.

[@Mr.bearuk112]

That final “free”’was fire

[@eiyiyiyi]

So amazingly beautiful. I was in tears.

[@heidilarson2635]

Beautiful voice!! So much control.

[@terec1111]

As a USC Mom w a mixed race son in studies for his Masters in Urban Planning so that he too can grace LA with his finest; the is such pride for the Anthem but also for this young woman whom shared her gift 🎁 with all the world 🌎! Go far Goddess! Shine ✨

[@terec1111]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@noway5266]

What does your son being a mulatto have to do with anything lmfao

[@terec1111]

@@noway5266it doesn’t…

[@tonid.4156]

So nice and refreshing to hear it performed so classically. Beautifully rendered.

[@peggyboswell6864]

Go Kendall. Mel you must be soooo proud! Amazing. Congratulations to your family.

[@foxflower9560]

Absolutely beautiful! Way to represent this awesome country! Thank you for sharing your gift with others!

[@donnawoollett5685]

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

[@aaube2659]

I think the Canadian national anthem is the best.

[@denises9426]

Proud Mom I bet! Brought tears to my eyes, just beautiful. ❤️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@Inarealestate]

Incredible , truly the best one I have heard as well, I have tears in my eyes 👏👏❤️

[@christinapaterson-jones8630]

I absolutely love the initial tenderness in her voice! Have never heard it sung like this before! Beautiful, moving and powerful!

[@loridesomer9248]

Absolutely beautiful! I had tears and chills.

[@AngelaBusi190]

Awesome! She nailed it. Love this and thanks for sharing with us Mel.

[@Ashleyiza]

She has such a pretty soft voice. It's unique. Don't give up on your dream girl. I've seen you Mel talk about her and her singing ❤️❤️❤️😊

[@erica4615]

Beautiful ❤️❤️... Mel I can imagine how proud you were/are of Kendall. Seeing her first step to the realization of her dreams is amazing and I bet must have melted your heart. May God direct her steps to greatness.

[@sherryweinand3972]

Amazing Mel....she has been blessed the voice of an angel. I just heard my 23 year old son sing for the first time about a year ago. I never knew he was hiding his gift. He is an introvert and doesn't like attention. Thank you so much for sharing this. It is a gift as well!

[@emdee7777]

Amazing like her awesome mommy Mel! God bless you and your endeavors Kendall! And will be here cheering 📣 you on as your mom update us! Muah 😘 👏👏🥳🥳🥳 Keep being the star ⭐️ that you are gorgeous! You got this!!!

[@allenhasty5871]

That is one of the best song versions of our anthem I've ever heard. She sang it with feeling and pride!❤ Ward's can't describe how inspiring that is❤❤❤.

[@lindagoldman2351]

She sings like an angel! One of the best I’ve ever heard!

[@augustinecaugustineUzoig-uo6uq]

...a blessed land, a blessed nation, with an inspiring history, tradition..... Many individuals. One Nation One flag.......

[@DanaFabina]

absolutely PRICELESS.... Way to go Kendall... Way to go Proud Mamma MEL

[@sunnygal57]

What a talented young lady! I can’t imagine how proud you were, Mel! ❤

[@calmak1]

WOW! That was absolutely amazing. Such a beautiful voice. I've got goosebumps all over!

[@louiseetodd]

What a beautiful voice 😭. Congratulations to your beautiful daughter 🥰

[@Sandi1202]

Beautiful! And congratulations to your talented daughter proud momma. ❤

[@nicchiaalvear4238]

Congratulations Kendall! All your hard work has paid off. What a beautiful journey you take us on when you sing. Thank you. Awe Mel, You are the best. For sharing...your heart must be bursting with pride. For being your fabulous self...a role model and inspiration to all of us. Sending all that love right back to ya.

[@faithm9284]

That was the best I've seen, and heard in sometime! She did it Beautifully! Mel, well done! She is a treasure! 💌

[@christinejenks4232]

Simply beautiful! Congratulations!

[@michaela8614]

Absolutely beautiful, natural voice.

[@VivienneKearney-i1i]

Oh my goodness !! What a brilliant performance and what a talented young woman you are Kendall. Go shine your light on the world with your beautiful voice. That's a proud Mother moment you will never forget Mel.

[@CONNIEKANELLOPOULOS]

Bravo Kendall! You have a beautiful voice, thank you Mel for sharing ❤

[@claudialucy5802]

Talk about a goosebump moment! And I’m not American! Wowsers, Kendall, Mel and the entire Robbins Family…. You guys rock my world and change it for the better every single day 😍 THANK YOU 🙏 (Love from Mel’s biggest fan!) xxx😊

[@KD-yy6on]

Wow how beautiful its incredible to hear Kendals voice its like a voice of an angel well done to her she must be so proud so heart felt loved it.. And as parents you must of be so so proud of her x

[@evelynwehbe]

Indeed it is a remarkable performance👌🎵🎶 add to that it's a capella, makes it even more difficult & she was in perfect tune👌🎶 Congratulations🎉🌸🌺💜

[@bl5628]

Classy lady ! Beautiful rendition of our Country song.

[@kristinaatgreenmeadowswede6714]

Hello from Sweden! In 2018I participates in the POU Course with you Mel .. Back then, You Spoked a lot about your children.... 5 years Later we now see the results of who they have become... Such a great performance from Kendall. Gold Star class!✨✨💪🏻

[@sandralulu777]

Kendall absolutely exudes such a lovely persona. What a beautiful and humble voice. Just loved it Mel. Go Kendall!!!

[@marciaw.2194]

So smooth and pure. May all success come to this young woman.

[@tamaraalbright6565]

WOW! That’s the first time I’ve cried hearing that! Amazing. Perfect timing to receive it Kendall, along with your message, Mel. Thank you both. Another beautiful Full Circle.

[@janislapierre1187]

I am at a loss for words…there are no words to describe Kendall’s beautifully amazing performance 💗💗 Such a wonderfully proud moment for y’all. Congratulations 🌸💗

[@leighshappynails]

That sincerely was one of thee best performances of the national anthem I've ever heard! Top 5 for sure! High Five!! 🙌

[@patricesmith1737]

Proud of her and for her and her parents. You rock Mel. Thank you for sharing with us ❤

[@doreenjohnson5229]

Gave me chills .. just beautiful. Congratulations on your achievements.

[@RideWithScar1]

Best ever! Her voice gave me major chills. Love her, and love you, Mel! So inspiring seeing how you guys show up to life.

[@RozaOfSantos]

I always get emotional when I hear the anthem. (And he's not even mine.) Respect.

[@LisaTurner3685]

Oh wow her singing gave me goose bumps! What an incredible voice!

[@yolandahernandez-madsen4657]

Absolutely beautiful ❤ Congratulations!

[@kerrysmart7089]

WOW!! NO WORDS, JUST FARKIN WOW!!❤️

[@yoganana76]

I came to say how beautiful this was & then I read @unklemilty comment here & he said it so perfectly, "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." Thank you for serving our country Unklemilty, thank you Kendall for this amazing rendition of our anthem & thank you Mama Mel for being so awesome & inspiring & sharing your wisdom & your beautiful girl & her gift with us all! ❤😎✌🏼

[@TrishBoyd-o6r]

Absolutely spectacular! Proud Mom moment for sure!

[@mariusmybird]

Simply beautiful -- MEL you got a keeper here! You should feel so PROUD! :)

[@MamaLoves22]

Thank you for sharing this video, Mel. Your daughter's really amazing, just like you. We're so proud for Kendall and the entire Robbins family.

[@CRachelOT]

Makes me emotional... Congratulations darling 🎉 you are very talented

[@cheriefabiani8370]

Beautiful! Goosebumps. ❤️

[@taurusbull29]

Absolutely beautiful! 💯 made me cry of course! 😢