From Wynonna Judd to Mary J. Blige, see national anthem singers at Kentucky Derby
Updated May 2, 2026, 6:51 p.m. ET
Fresh off her Tony win, Nicole Scherzinger performed the national anthem for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks.
From Wynonna Judd to Mary J. Blige, see the stars who have performed at the Kentucky Derby through the years.
Michael Hickey, Getty Images For Churchill DownsFrom Wynonna Judd to Mary J. Blige, see the stars who have performed at the Kentucky Derby through the years.
Grace Potter performed the national anthem at the 151st Kentucky Derby in 2025 at Churchill Downs Racetrack.
James Mountford
Country singer and Kentucky native Wynonna Judd performed the national anthem at the 150th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4, 2024.
Andrew P. Scott/Courier Journal
Carly Pearce performed the National Anthem at the 149th Kentucky Derby on May 6, 2023.
Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal And USA Today Network
Singer Brittney Spencer performed the national anthem at the 148th Derby in 2022.
Maggie Huber/Special To Courier-Journal
Grammy-winning singer Tori Kelly performed the national anthem at the 147th Kentucky Derby on May 1, 2021.
Mario Anzuoni, REUTERS
Country music artist and Sugarland member Jennifer Nettles performed the national anthem at the 145th Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2019.
Maggie Huber, Special To Courier Journal
Kevin Olusola performed the national anthem at the Kentucky Derby as part of the a cappella group Pentatonix at the 144th Kentucky Derby on May 5, 2018.
Michelle Hutchins/Special To Courier Journal
Harry Connick Jr. sang the national anthem at the 143rd Kentucky Derby on May 6, 2017.
Liz Moughon/CJ
Country trio Lady A sang the national anthem at the 142nd Kentucky Derby on May 7, 2016.
Philip Scott Andrews, Special To CJ
Josh Groban performed the national anthem at the 141st Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2015.
Frankie Steele/Special To The CJ
Country singer Jo Dee Messina, left, performed the national anthem at the 140th Kentucky Derby in 2014.
Frankie Steele / Special To The CJ
Country singer Martina McBride performed the national anthem at the 139th Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2013.
Rob Carr, Getty Images
Mary J. Blige performed the national anthem at the 138th Kentucky Derby on May 5, 2012.
Michael Loccisano, Getty Images
Jordin Sparks sang the national anthem at the Kentucky Derby in 2011.
Chris Bergin/ For The Star, Chris Bergin/ For The Star
Rascal Flatts performed the national anthem at the 136th Kentucky Derby in 2010.
Jeff Gentner, Getty Images
LeAnn Rimes sang the national anthem at the 135th Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2009
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