There’s something incredibly powerful about a passionate rendition of the national anthem. It has the ability to make our hearts swell with pride and bring tears to our eyes. One such rendition that captivated the world was performed by Jackson Dean Nicholson, a senior defensive end at Arundel High School in Maryland.

It was just another pre-game routine for Jackson when he realized that no one was prepared to sing the national anthem. While he could have settled for a recorded version or allowed the crowd to sing, Jackson decided to take matters into his own hands. Armed with an acoustic guitar and a microphone, he stood alone in the middle of the field and delivered a breathtaking version of the U.S. national anthem.

Since its upload in 2018, the video of Jackson’s performance has become a viral sensation, gaining popularity time and time again. And it’s no wonder why. His rendition is simply outstanding, showcasing his undeniable talent as a singer.

When asked about the experience, Jackson said, “It was very cool. I probably knew 90 percent of the people sitting in those stands, and they had no idea I was doing it ’til I brought my guitar out.” It’s clear that his performance took everyone by surprise and left a lasting impression.

While Jackson may be known as a senior defensive end on the football field, his true passion lies in music. He started writing and singing songs since his freshman year and had been working on his own album around the same time he became an internet sensation.

As he approaches the end of his high school football career, Jackson is ready to fully pursue his musical dreams. “This is my last year, then I’m done. I’ve got until January, I’ll have all my credits done, and I only have to be enrolled for this semester. I got a waiver by my principal and she’s very supportive of what I do. I’m going to go for it,” he shared.

We can’t help but be amazed by Jackson’s extraordinary talent and want to share his incredible performance with as many people as possible. If you were blown away by his rendition, join us in spreading the word by sharing this article. Let’s show our support for this incredibly gifted young musician!

Watch the breathtaking performance .