The Official 2025 Kentucky Derby National Anthem Performer: 5 Things You Need To Know About Grace Potter

The anticipation for the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby is building, and one of the most cherished traditions of the "Run for the Roses" is the performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner." As of December 10, 2025, the performer for the 2025 Kentucky Derby has been officially announced by Churchill Downs Racetrack, bringing an exciting blend of rock and soulful Americana to the historic event.

The honor of singing the National Anthem at the 2025 Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3, 2025, has been awarded to the critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and musician, Grace Potter. This selection continues the tradition of featuring powerhouse vocalists and celebrated artists from diverse musical backgrounds, setting the stage for one of the most dramatic two minutes in sports.

Grace Potter: Complete Biography and Career Profile

Grace Potter is a dynamic and gifted artist known for her powerful vocals, multi-instrumental talents, and genre-defying musical style. Her selection as the National Anthem performer highlights her status as a respected figure in the contemporary music scene.

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• Full Name: Grace Evelyn Potter
• Date of Birth: June 20, 1983
• Place of Birth: Fayston, Vermont, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer-Songwriter, Musician (Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards)
• Musical Style: Rock, Blues Rock, Americana, Soul, and Pop
• Former Band: Grace Potter & The Nocturnals (Active 2002–2015)
• Career Status: Three-time Grammy-nominated artist.
• Notable Solo Albums: Original Soul (2002), Midnight (2015), Daylight (2019), Mother Road (2023)
• Notable Songs: "Stars," "Paris (Ooh La La)," "Empty Heart," "Something That I Want" (from Disney's Tangled soundtrack)
• Instrumental Prowess: Known for her energetic stage presence and proficiency on the Hammond B3 organ.

The Announcement: Grace Potter Takes Center Stage at Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs Racetrack made the official announcement in early 2025, confirming that Grace Potter would perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" live on Derby Day. The performance is a pivotal moment in the pre-race ceremonies, immediately preceding the "Riders Up" call that signals the jockeys to mount their horses.

Potter’s performance will take place just before the post time for the 151st Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve. Her soulful and powerful voice is expected to deliver a memorable and unique rendition of the National Anthem, adding a distinct rock-and-roll flavor to the traditional spectacle. The announcement was well-received by fans who appreciate her raw talent and ability to cross musical genres with ease.

The Kentucky Derby National Anthem is not just a song; it’s a cultural moment. It marks the culmination of the entire week’s festivities, serving as the final, emotional crescendo before the horses break from the gate. Potter's selection follows in the footsteps of country music icon Wynonna Judd, who performed the anthem at the 150th Derby in 2024, and Carly Pearce, who sang in 2023.

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Grace Potter’s Impact and Musical Entities

Grace Potter’s career is defined by her refusal to be pigeonholed into a single musical genre. Her signature style is a powerful fusion, allowing her music to appeal to a broad audience, from rock fans to Americana enthusiasts. This versatility makes her a compelling choice for an event as diverse as the Kentucky Derby.

Her work with her former band, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, established her as a formidable force in the rock world. Albums like The Lion The Beast The Beat showcased her songwriting depth and vocal prowess. Since embarking on a solo career, she has continued to evolve, with her 2019 album Daylight earning her significant praise and a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album. Her latest work, Mother Road (2023), further cemented her reputation for crafting deeply personal and compelling narratives through music.

The tradition of the National Anthem at the Derby has seen performances from a diverse range of high-profile artists, including:

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• Wynonna Judd (2024): The Kentucky native and country music legend.
• Carly Pearce (2023): Another celebrated figure in contemporary country music.
• Brittney Spencer (2022): An emerging talent known for her soulful voice.
• Tori Kelly (2021): Grammy-winning pop and R&B singer.
• Jennifer Nettles (2019): Lead singer of the country duo Sugarland.

Potter’s inclusion in this elite group underscores the Derby’s commitment to showcasing artists who are not only talented but also capable of delivering an emotionally resonant performance to a global audience. The National Anthem is performed twice on Derby Day: once for the Kentucky Oaks (the day before the Derby) and then for the main event, the Kentucky Derby itself.

The Significance of the Derby Day National Anthem

For the hundreds of thousands of attendees at Churchill Downs and the millions watching worldwide, the National Anthem is a crucial element of the Derby Day pageantry. It is a moment of collective reflection and patriotism, often accompanied by the unfurling of a massive American flag over the infield. The selection of the performer is always a subject of intense speculation and media coverage in the weeks leading up to the event.

Grace Potter’s powerful delivery is particularly well-suited for a stadium setting. Her ability to command a large stage and infuse rock energy into her performances suggests that her rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" will be both respectful of the tradition and uniquely her own. Fans can expect her distinctive vocal texture and instrumental flair to make the 2025 performance a standout moment in the history of the Kentucky Derby. Her performance will be one of the most-watched segments of the pre-race television broadcast, alongside the traditional singing of "My Old Kentucky Home."

Her performance is set to be a highlight of the weekend, solidifying the 151st Kentucky Derby as a blend of timeless tradition and contemporary star power. The combination of high-stakes horse racing, iconic fashion, and world-class musical talent ensures that the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports" remains a premier global event.