The Voice Of The 150th Derby: Who Sang The National Anthem At The Kentucky Derby And A Look At The Iconic Performers

The question of "who sang the National Anthem at the Kentucky Derby" is one of the most anticipated announcements each year, setting the tone for the "Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports." As of , the most recent performer to take the stage at Churchill Downs for the milestone 150th running of the Derby was none other than the legendary country music icon, Wynonna Judd. Her powerful and emotional rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" was a highlight of the 2024 event, continuing a prestigious tradition that has featured some of the biggest names in music.

This deep dive explores the latest performer, Wynonna Judd, examining her connection to the state and the incredible moment she delivered on the first Saturday in May. We also look back at the star-studded history of the National Anthem at the Derby, including the sensational performance by Carly Pearce in 2023 and other notable artists who have graced the hallowed grounds of the racetrack.

Wynonna Judd: The Country Icon Who Sang the National Anthem at the 150th Kentucky Derby

For the historic 150th running of the Kentucky Derby in 2024, the organizers chose a performer with deep roots in the Bluegrass State: the incomparable Wynonna Judd. Her selection was a nod to both her status as a music legend and her heritage as a Kentucky native, making the moment particularly poignant for the thousands gathered at Churchill Downs and the millions watching worldwide.

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The performance was widely praised by fans and critics alike, with many calling it one of the best renditions of the National Anthem in recent Derby history. Judd herself expressed that performing at the event was a "Top 5" career moment, sharing her excitement and nerves about singing before the iconic "Run for the Roses."

Wynonna Judd: A Career Profile and Biography

Wynonna Judd, born Christina Claire Ciminella on May 30, 1964, in Ashland, Kentucky, is one of the most recognizable and successful voices in country music history.

• Full Name: Christina Claire Ciminella (later Wynonna Judd)
• Born: May 30, 1964
• Birthplace: Ashland, Kentucky, U.S.
• Genre: Country, Country Pop, Southern Rock
• Iconic Duo: She rose to fame as half of The Judds, an iconic mother-daughter duo with her mother, Naomi Judd.
• Accolades: As part of The Judds, she earned five Grammy Awards, nine CMA Awards, and charted 14 #1 hits, including classics like "Mama He's Crazy" and "Love Is Alive."
• Solo Career Success: Her solo career launched in 1992 with her debut album, Wynonna, which went 5x Platinum and produced hits like "She Is His Only Need" and "No One Else on Earth."
• Derby Connection: Her performance at the 150th Kentucky Derby marked a powerful return to her home state for one of the world's most watched sporting events.

A Look Back: Recent Kentucky Derby National Anthem Performers

The Kentucky Derby National Anthem performance is a coveted spot, often reserved for artists with significant ties to country music or those who represent the spirit of American tradition and spectacle. The tradition of having a celebrity sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the Derby only began relatively recently, with LeAnn Rimes being credited as the first to perform the anthem before the "Run for the Roses" in 2009.

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Carly Pearce (2023) – A Kentucky Native's Dream

The year before Wynonna Judd, the 149th Kentucky Derby in 2023 featured another proud Kentuckian: Grammy Award-winning country music star Carly Pearce. Pearce, known for her traditional country sound, delivered a dazzling performance of the anthem on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Her appearance was particularly special, as she is a native of Taylor Mill, Kentucky, making her performance a heartfelt moment for the local crowd at Churchill Downs.

Brittney Spencer (2022) – A Rising Star

In 2022, the honor was given to rising country music singer Brittney Spencer. Her soulful and powerful vocals provided a memorable start to the 148th Derby. Spencer’s performance was part of a recent trend by Churchill Downs to feature diverse and exciting talent, often from the country music genre, to honor the event's Southern roots.

The Prestigious History of the 'Run for the Roses' Anthem

The National Anthem performance at the Kentucky Derby has become an integral part of the pre-race pageantry, a moment of solemnity and spectacle before the horses thunder down the track. This performance is often considered one of the most prestigious non-sporting slots in American sports, alongside the Super Bowl and the World Series. The list of performers over the years represents a who's who of American music talent, solidifying the Derby's place in popular culture.

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Notable Performers Who Have Sung at Churchill Downs

While the tradition is relatively young, starting in 2009, the event has attracted enormous star power. The selection process highlights artists who can deliver an emotionally resonant and flawless rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" under immense pressure.

• LeAnn Rimes: The first celebrity to officially sing the National Anthem at the Kentucky Derby in 2009, setting the standard for the new tradition.
• Mary J. Blige: The R&B singer delivered a stunning performance in 2012, which garnered significant attention for its soulful interpretation and her spectacular outfit.
• Jordin Sparks: The American Idol winner performed in 2013, bringing a pop sensibility to the country-focused event.
• Jo Dee Messina: The country star performed in 2014, becoming only the sixth performer at that time to have the honor.
• Jennifer Nettles: The Sugarland frontwoman delivered a "perfect" anthem in 2019, showcasing her powerful vocal talents.
• Tori Kelly: The Grammy-winning pop and R&B singer performed in 2021, continuing the tradition of featuring top-tier vocalists from various genres.

The choice of performer is always strategic, often linking a star with a new album or a significant career milestone to the global audience of the Derby. The performance is not just a patriotic moment; it is a major cultural event that kicks off the most exciting day in horse racing.

The Significance of the Derby National Anthem

The performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the Kentucky Derby is more than just a pre-game ritual; it's a key piece of the event’s pageantry, right up there with the "singing of My Old Kentucky Home." The atmosphere is electric, with attendees dressed in their finest hats and attire, all falling silent to honor the anthem before the thunder of hooves takes over. The performer is tasked with capturing the grandeur and tradition of the 150-year-old event. The selection of artists like Wynonna Judd and Carly Pearce, both Kentucky natives and country music heavyweights, underscores the event’s commitment to its regional roots while maintaining a national spotlight. As the 151st Kentucky Derby approaches, the speculation has already begun as fans eagerly await the announcement of the next iconic voice to take center stage.