Grammy Winner, Disney Star and Super Bowl 2026 Performer

Coco Jones, the Grammy-winning R&B singer and actress, continues her meteoric rise in 2026, fresh off a powerful pre-game performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8. The 28-year-old multi-hyphenate, known for her soulful voice, emotive songwriting and commanding screen presence, has transitioned from Disney child star to one of music’s most celebrated breakout artists.

Born Courtney Michaela Ann Jones on Jan. 4, 1998, in Columbia, South Carolina, and raised in Lebanon, Tennessee, Coco drew early inspiration from her family — her mother Javonda Jones, a session vocalist, and father Mike Jones, a former NFL player. She began singing at age 6 and performed “America the Beautiful” at her kindergarten graduation, signaling her destiny in entertainment.

Here are 10 essential facts about Coco Jones as she solidifies her place in R&B and beyond.

1. Early Disney Breakthrough Coco rose to fame as a tween on Disney Channel. She appeared on Radio Disney’s “Next Big Thing” in 2010-2011 and starred as Roxanne “Roxie” Andrews in the 2012 Disney Channel Original Movie “Let It Shine” alongside Tyler James Williams and Trevor Jackson. The film showcased her vocal talent in a musical story of young love and hip-hop, earning her a dedicated fanbase. She also guest-starred on shows like “So Random!” and “Good Luck Charlie,” establishing her as a versatile performer early on.
2. Grammy-Winning Rise with “ICU” After a period of independent music and acting, Coco signed with High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings in 2022. Her breakthrough came with the EP “What I Didn’t Tell You,” led by the platinum-certified single “ICU.” The emotional ballad peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B Airplay chart and earned her a Grammy for Best R&B Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in 2024. She received five nominations that year, including Best New Artist, and swept Best New Artist honors at the BET Awards, Soul Train Awards and NAACP Image Awards.
3. Debut Album “Why Not More?” In 2025-2026, Coco released her highly anticipated debut album “Why Not More?,” a collection blending modern R&B with classic influences, introspective lyrics and magnetic melodies. Tracks like “Here We Go (Uh Oh),” “Sweep It Up” and “Most Beautiful Design” (featuring Future) showcase her growth as a songwriter. The album reflects her journey toward empowerment, connection and authenticity, drawing praise for its vulnerability and production quality.
4. Starring Role in “Bel-Air” Coco portrayed Hilary Banks in Peacock’s dramatic reimagining of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” from 2022 to 2025. Her nuanced performance as the stylish, ambitious eldest Banks child earned critical acclaim and bridged her Disney roots with mature acting. The role demonstrated her range beyond singing, allowing her to explore complex family dynamics and personal growth in a high-profile series.
5. Super Bowl 2026 Pregame Performance On Feb. 8, 2026, Coco delivered a stunning rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” — often called the Black National Anthem — before Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium. Dressed in a white ensemble with Pan-African flag-inspired accents and a headband evoking Whitney Houston’s 1991 Super Bowl look, she performed with an eight-member orchestra. The soulful delivery honored Houston’s iconic national anthem moment and resonated deeply, drawing widespread acclaim for its power and cultural significance.
6. Engagement to NBA Star Donovan Mitchell In July 2025, Coco announced her engagement to Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell Jr. The couple’s relationship, which began in 2023, has been a source of public support and inspiration. Mitchell joined her on the field post-performance at Super Bowl 2026, FaceTiming her mother Javonda for a heartfelt reaction, highlighting their close family ties.
7. Height and Athletic Background Standing at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), Coco towers over many peers in entertainment. She was a competitive gymnast growing up, noting she was “the tallest gymnast in her city.” The discipline, strength and stage presence from gymnastics translated seamlessly to her performance style, contributing to her commanding presence on stage and screen.
8. Advocacy and Role Model Status Coco has spoken openly about protecting young Black women in Hollywood, drawing from her own experiences as a child star. She advocates for mental health, body positivity and representation, using her platform to uplift others. Her journey from Disney to Grammy success serves as inspiration for aspiring artists, particularly Black girls in entertainment.
9. Musical Style and Influences Coco’s sound fuses contemporary R&B with soul, pop and gospel roots from her church background. She loves sampling classic R&B, delivering powerful vocals and writing lyrics rooted in personal stories of love, growth and resilience. Her emotive delivery and authenticity have earned comparisons to legends while establishing her unique voice in modern R&B.
10. Ongoing Legacy and Future At 28, Coco continues expanding her reach with tours, collaborations and acting opportunities. Her debut album solidifies her as R&B’s rising force, while her Super Bowl moment and engagement mark personal milestones. With a strong foundation in music, acting and advocacy, Coco Jones remains poised for even greater achievements in entertainment.

From Disney beginnings to Grammy glory and Super Bowl spotlight, Coco Jones embodies perseverance, talent and cultural pride, captivating audiences worldwide.