​For hardcore March Madness fans, it ain’t over ‘til Luther Vandross sings.

We’re referring, of course, to CBS’ tradition of closing out the broadcast of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game with an inspirational montage of tournament highlights backed by the song “One Shining Moment,” sung by Luther Vandross.

Since 1987, the song and montage have aired on CBS as the winning team is shown cutting down the nets.

In the pantheon of sports broadcast themes, “One Shining Moment” is somewhat equivalent to NBC’s “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” (minus the rotating cast of country music divas) or ABC’s erstwhile “Are You Ready for Some Football” (minus the Hank Williams, Jr. controversy).

Longtime CBS Sports Creative Director Doug Towey was instrumental in making the song a tradition at CBS.

The Vandross version of the song was first used from 2003-2009, before he was replaced by Jennifer Hudson. Her rendition earned mixed reviews from fans, and the Vandross version was reinstated in 2011. Songwriter David Barrett sang the tune from 1987-1993, and again from 2000-2002. Teddy Pendergrass was featured from 1994-1999.

CBS has held the sole broadcast rights to the Men’s Championship game since the song’s debut in 1987. But with TBS set to alternate with CBS beginning next year, there is some doubt as to whether “One Shining Moment” will also air on the cable network, or become an every-other-year tradition.

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