Kentucky Derby Announces Major Country Star to Perform National Anthem at 150th Event

As fans gear up for what’s often called the most thrilling two minutes in sports, Wynonna Judd is also getting ready for her moment to shine. She is set to perform the national anthem at the 150th Kentucky Derby. The country music icon announced this exciting news to her followers on Instagram last Friday.

For the Grammy-winning artist, this performance is a sort of homecoming, since Judd hails from Kentucky.

“I am incredibly proud to represent my home state in one of its most legendary and time-honored traditions. The Kentucky Derby has always been a highlight for me each year, and having the opportunity to perform this year makes it even more remarkable,” she expressed.

“From my childhood visits to the racetrack to now performing the Star-Spangled Banner in this landmark year, it truly feels like a full circle moment 🥰,” she shared on social media.

 

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“Having shaped country music across generations and hailing from Kentucky, Wynonna Judd is the ideal choice to usher in this once-in-a-lifetime Kentucky Derby,” said Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “We are thrilled to have Wynonna bring her formidable voice back to Louisville, capturing the broad spectrum of emotions that this historic event evokes.”

Judd is not the only country star to have performed the national anthem at the Kentucky Derby. Other notable performers include Carly Pearce, Brittney Spencer, Jennifer Nettles, Leann Rimes, Lady A, Rascal Flatts, among others, who have also had the honor of singing before the race.