The Denver Broncos will welcome a familiar voice to kick off Monday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals. Denver-based singer Kayla Ruby, who first captured national attention with her stirring rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner in 2017, will return to perform the national anthem and set the stage for the primetime showdown.
Everything To Know About Kayla Ruby
Ruby is originally from Denver, Colorado, and started pursuing music professionally when she was 17 years old. She has opened for national artists like Parker McCollum and Eli Young Band and has performed at many high-profile events, including at MNF for the Broncos in 2017 and 2024.
Ruby has termed performing at the Broncos game one of the highlights of her career, describing it as overwhelming and deeply meaningful.
“Performing at the Broncos game September 11 was incredible,” she said. “ I was so nervous. It felt as if the stadium was going to eat me up, but really, the event was about representing the people standing behind me. Everyone holding the flag that night was either a volunteer from 9/11 or a family member of a victim, and I wanted to go out there and make them proud, so that was probably the highlight to be honest”.
The Broncos game was being broadcast nationally on ESPN, helping Ruby get into the spotlight. And as her performance went viral, she decided to pursue music as a full-time profession.
“That night, the National Anthem was broadcast on ESPN and gained over 5 million views. From there, I decided to pursue music as my full-time career. I didn’t end up going to West Virginia, I graduated from high school early and signed with a small record label based out of Denver. It was quite the year!,” she added
Ruby has since released numerous singles, with standout tracks including “Never Really Know Somebody,” “Ladies Night,” and “Even Jonny Stumbled.” Her rising success and artistry were further recognized when she received a nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year at the Rocky Mountain Country Music Awards.
Meanwhile, Monday Night Football will feature a lighthearted moment at halftime with a toddlers vs. puppies race. This exhibition, which has become a fan-favorite attraction at NBA and WNBA games, is set to bring plenty of smiles and laughter to the crowd.
From stadium anthems to heartfelt ballads, Ruby’s journey reflects both her versatility as a performer and her commitment to creating memorable experiences. With her growing catalog of music and a reputation for unforgettable live performances, she continues to establish herself as one of country music’s most promising rising artists.
