Who is Coco Jones? Meet the singer of the national anthem at the CFP National Championship 2025

When a young Coco Jones began her journey into the entertainment industry, she leaned on her mother's wisdom to navigate the competitive environment.

"If my mom grabbed her earring, that meant, 'You need to sing,'" Jones recalled. And sing she did, often breaking into impromptu a cappella performances. This formative experience planted the seeds of confidence that would later help her blossom into a multi-talented star.

Coco's career has been a steady evolution. Starting at age 12, she gained recognition on Disney Channel's So Random!and the musical film Let It Shine.

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Fast forward to today, and she's one of R&B's most exciting new voices. Her journey has included acting successes, such as playing Hilary Banks in the Peacock reboot Bel-Air, and a thriving music career under High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings.

As Def Jam's CEO Tunji Balogun notes, "Coco is an artist with the confidence of a veteran but the energy of a newcomer."

While acting brought her early fame, music has always been Coco's true passion. She describes it as her "comfort and purpose," a consistent driving force even when challenges arose.

After early success with Disney, she faced setbacks, including being dropped by Hollywood Records after her debut EP. Despite this, Jones persevered, releasing independent music and continuing to hone her craft.

Her persistence paid off with her 2023 breakout single, "ICU," which garnered multiple Grammy nominations, including Best R&B Song and Best New Artist.

The track, a heartfelt ballad about navigating the aftermath of heartbreak, resonated with audiences, spending weeks atop the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart.

"This feels like confirmation of my journey," Jones says about her Grammy recognition. "That there can't always be a storm. The weather has to change."

Taking the Stage at the CFP National Championship

This January 20, Coco Jones will perform the national anthem at the College Football Playoff National Championship in Atlanta, solidifying her place as a cultural icon.

The event, held on Martin Luther King Day, features a host of notable participants, including Dr. Bernice A. King, who will flip the ceremonial coin.

Coco's powerful voice will be accompanied by a Joint Armed Forces Color Guard and an American flag unfurled by local volunteers.

The Spelman College Glee Club will perform "America the Beautiful," while students from the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf will deliver ASL renditions of the anthem and other patriotic songs.

This appearance is a testament to Jones' dedication and versatility as an artist. While filming season three of Bel-Air, she's also hard at work on her debut album.

"That story [of my EP] has been told," she says. "This next chapter is about growth and being the most authentic version of myself."

From her early days as a Disney star to becoming an R&B powerhouse, Coco Jones' journey is one of resilience and talent.

As she takes the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, fans will witness not just a performer, but an artist fully stepping into her moment