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Now THAT is how you perform the “Star Spangled Banner.”

Ahead of the NFC Championship between the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks, the home team decided to bring in a rising country music star who actually grew up in the state of Washington. There’s a good chance you’ve heard of him, and there’s an even better chance that you’ve sang “I SLEEP LIKE A BABY” at the top of your lungs.

If you weren’t catching on already, I’m talking about Zach Top.

The 28-year-old was born and raised in Sunnyside, Washington. In case you aren’t up to date on your geography, that state isn’t located in the southern U.S., where country accents are the most prevalent. It’s actually about as far north (and far west) as you can get.

I only mention that because there’s a conspiracy theory that the “I Never Lie” singer might be lying about his country accent.

But who cares when he sounds just like your favorite country music artist from yesteryear? Zach Top is the face of the neotraditional country movement, and he’s impressed with his musical ability so much that he got asked to perform the national anthem ahead of the NFC Championship that Seattle is hosting.

They weren’t kidding when they said to not miss it.

Just minutes before the game started, Zach Top stood out on Lumen Field and absolutely brought it with his rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner.” For those that weren’t familiar with his game, they are now. I guarantee that “Who is Zach Top?” was being Googled like crazy.

Real country music fans already knew… and we’re seated for this bring-a-tear-to-your-eye national anthem:

That “Star Spangled Banner” had everything. A big ol’ flag, a mesmerizing flyover, and Zach Top hitting every single note of the song that celebrates America. It very well might be the highlight of the NFC Championship game… and it happened before the football was even snapped.

NFL fans and country music fans alike loved everything about it:

 

 

 

 

Hey… they said it. Not me.