The energy in Pittsburgh is electric as the city prepares to host the NFL Draft for the first time in over 75 years. While hundreds of thousands of fans are set to descend upon the Steel City for the three-day spectacle, one NFL Network personality is already caught up in the local spirit, and it's all thanks to a powerful voice.
Host Colleen Wolfe took to Instagram this week, absolutely beaming after spending time with Pittsburgh native KELS, the singer tapped to perform the national anthem this Thursday night to officially open the draft. Wolfe didn't hold back her praise, urging her followers to discover the artist's "sultry voice" and sharing snapshots from their day together exploring the city.
"First of all, if you haven't heard @findingkels sultry voice yet: you're welcome," Wolfe wrote. "Pittsburgh's own is singing the anthem Thursday to open the NFL Draft. But first she took me around town and I tried not to embarrass her."
A Hometown Star Takes the Stage
For KELS, this moment is a full-circle dream. The independent music artist, who boasts a dedicated following of over 440,000 on Instagram, reflected on the milestone on her own social media. "If u told little high school Kels she was singing the national anthem for the @nfl in her hometown she would not believe you," she posted over the weekend.
This is far from her first rodeo, however. KELS first performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at a Pittsburgh Pirates game when she was just 14 years old and has delivered the anthem numerous times since. Her musical reach continues to grow, with her 2025 single "Gone" amassing nearly half a million views on YouTube alone.
Pittsburgh Pride on Full Display
The NFL Draft's return to Pittsburgh after more than seven decades is a massive event, and the league is ensuring it honors the city's rich legacy. The weekend will feature appearances from numerous NFL stars with ties to the area, making KELS's anthem performance the perfect, homegrown kickoff.
Wolfe's genuine excitement highlights a key part of the draft experience: the local flavor and community celebration that surrounds the main event. It's a reminder that before the picks are announced and futures are changed, there's a moment of unity and local pride. Fans should keep an eye on the skies, however, as a Game Day Alert warns of potential high winds that could affect Thursday's events in several states.
The anticipation for Thursday night is palpable. As Wolfe's post proves, the buzz isn't just about which quarterback will go first overall; it's also about the communal moments that make sports so special. Having a hometown talent like KELS open the proceedings adds a deeply personal layer to the grand spectacle.
This focus on stellar pre-game performances isn't unique to the NFL. Over in the world of sports entertainment, the WWE Universe Cheers as Joe Jonas Set to Sing National Anthem at WrestleMania 42, proving a great anthem singer can set the tone for any major event. Meanwhile, as the sports world watches Pittsburgh, other major events are unfolding, like the strategic moves being made in golf, where DeChambeau's LIV Exit Plan Takes Shape with Masters Meetings.
So when the cameras pan across the packed crowd in Pittsburgh on Thursday night, listen closely. The voice ringing out belongs to a local star living her dream, and if Colleen Wolfe is any indication, it's going to be a performance you won't want to miss.
