South Side Grad Sings National Anthem at NCAA Championship

Brian Kelly, a Fort Wayne native, performed with his band Soul Lounge at the big game.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:06am

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An abstract close-up photograph of a metallic microphone grill, capturing the dramatic lighting and high-energy texture of a live musical performance.The soulful harmonies of Brian Kelly's band Soul Lounge filled the arena during their rousing National Anthem performance at the NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship.Indianapolis Today

Brian Kelly, a graduate of South Side High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, sang the National Anthem at the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship game in Indianapolis. Kelly, who works as a cardiac device specialist, has had a passion for music since childhood and previously competed on American Idol. For this performance, he invited his band Soul Lounge to join him on the big stage.

Why it matters

Kelly's performance at the high-profile NCAA championship game showcases the talent and musical abilities of a local Fort Wayne resident on a national stage. It highlights how individuals from small communities can achieve their dreams and make it to the top levels of their craft.

The details

Kelly started singing gospel music in his church at age 5 and later pursued music alongside his medical studies. He sang with the acapella group Straight No Chaser formed at Indiana University, and even competed on American Idol where Simon Cowell voted against him advancing. Kelly's big break came in 2021 when COVID restrictions allowed him to sing the National Anthem at an NCAA Elite 8 game. The NCAA remembered his performance and invited him back to sing at this year's National Championship, this time with his band Soul Lounge.

  • Kelly sang the National Anthem at the 2021 NCAA Elite 8 game.
  • The NCAA reached out to Kelly in 2026 to invite him to perform at the National Championship game.

The players

Brian Kelly

A graduate of South Side High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana who works as a cardiac device specialist but has had a lifelong passion for music. He previously competed on American Idol and sang with the acapella group Straight No Chaser.

Soul Lounge

Kelly's band that joined him in performing the National Anthem at the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship game.

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What they’re saying

“I can't even state how much gratitude I have for the fact that people really love something that we put out there. When we put our hearts behind it, it means the world to be able to, number one, share that gift with the world, but also to receive that love back.”

— Brian Kelly, Performer

“He absolutely did, he said I smile too much. Hey, but I'm still smiling... still smiling 23 years later.”

— Brian Kelly, Performer

What’s next

Kelly and Soul Lounge plan to continue performing together, with hopes of securing more high-profile gigs in the future.

The takeaway

Brian Kelly's journey from a South Side High School graduate to performing the National Anthem at the NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship game showcases how individuals from small communities can achieve their dreams through hard work, passion, and perseverance.