The 5 Most Anticipated Moments Of Grace Potter's National Anthem Performance At The 151st Kentucky Derby

The excitement is building for the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, and one of the most highly anticipated pre-race traditions is the performance of the national anthem. As of today, December 13, 2025, the news that has captured the attention of both music and horse racing fans is the announcement that three-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Grace Potter will be lending her signature soulful vocals to "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Her selection continues a modern tradition of featuring major musical talent to kick off the "Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," setting the stage for the first jewel of the Triple Crown. Grace Potter's performance is expected to be a powerful and unique rendition, moving beyond the traditional country and pop styles often heard at the event. Known for her dynamic stage presence and a sound that fuses rock, blues, and gospel influences, Potter is poised to deliver a memorable moment that will resonate with the estimated 150,000 spectators and millions watching the live broadcast on NBC. This article delves into the artist, the historic event, and the five elements that make her upcoming performance one of the most anticipated in Derby history.

Grace Potter: Biography, Career Highlights, and Musical Style

Grace Evelyn Potter is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose career has spanned over two decades, establishing her as a formidable presence in the rock and blues genres.

• Full Name: Grace Evelyn Potter
• Born: June 20, 1983
• Hometown: Waitsfield, Vermont / Fayston, Vermont
• Genre: Rock, Blues, Soul, Americana, Folk Rock
• Key Instruments: Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Hammond Organ
• Former Band: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals (2002–2015)
• Solo Career Highlights: Three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist. Known for powerhouse vocals compared to Janis Joplin.
• Notable Albums: *Original Soul* (2004), *This Is Somewhere* (with The Nocturnals, 2007), *The Lion The Beast The Beat* (with The Nocturnals, 2012), *Midnight* (2015), *Daylight* (2019), *Mother Road* (2023).
• Latest News: Her 2023 album, *Mother Road*, was a critical success, showcasing her evolution as a songwriter and a return to her rock roots after a period of personal reflection.

Potter’s musical style is often described as raw, honest, and deeply soulful, drawing heavily on classic rock, gospel, and Southern musical traditions. This unique blend suggests her take on "The Star-Spangled Banner" will be less about ornamentation and more about a heartfelt, powerful delivery.

The Tradition: Why the Kentucky Derby National Anthem Matters

The national anthem performance at the Kentucky Derby is more than just a formality; it is a deeply cherished tradition that signals the final, breathless moments before the horses enter the starting gate for the Triple Crown's first jewel. The atmosphere at Churchill Downs Racetrack is electric, and the anthem serves as a unifying moment of patriotism and reflection before the chaos of the race begins. The tradition of featuring a high-profile celebrity for the performance, which is broadcast live on NBC, has been a staple of the event since 2009. The selection of the artist is a deliberate choice by Churchill Downs to match the prestige of the event with a performer whose talent can deliver a memorable moment under immense pressure. Grace Potter now joins an illustrious list of past performers, including:

• Wynonna Judd (2024)
• Carly Pearce
• Tori Kelly
• Jennifer Nettles
• Pentatonix
• Harry Connick Jr.
• Josh Groban
• Martina McBride
• Mary J. Blige
• LeAnn Rimes (The first celebrity performer)

The performance is seen by millions globally, making it a high-stakes moment for any musician. Potter’s selection, with her background in rock and blues, indicates a desire to bring a fresh, genre-defying energy to the historic event.

5 Elements That Will Define Grace Potter’s Performance

Grace Potter is not a typical choice for a major sporting event anthem, and that is precisely why her May 3, 2025, performance has generated so much buzz. Her unique artistry promises a rendition unlike any other in recent memory.

1. The Power of Her Soulful Vocals

Potter is renowned for her vocal prowess, often described as a blend of raw power and emotional depth. Unlike many modern pop renditions, her performance is expected to lean into the soulful, gospel-influenced side of her repertoire. Fans anticipate a delivery that is less technically perfect and more emotionally resonant, using her immense range and "Joplin-esque" fervor to convey the weight of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Her voice has a natural rasp and grit that will give the anthem a unique, bluesy texture.

2. The Potential for a Rock-Infused Arrangement

While the national anthem is typically performed a cappella or with minimal accompaniment, Potter's background as a rock musician opens the door for a more dynamic arrangement. Whether she incorporates a subtle electric guitar or a powerful Hammond Organ riff—an instrument she frequently plays—her take could transform the traditional melody. Even if the arrangement is kept simple, her inherent rock sensibility will infuse the performance with a dramatic, high-energy feel appropriate for the "Run for the Roses."

3. The Influence of Her *Mother Road* Era

Potter’s most recent musical output, particularly the acclaimed *Mother Road* album, reflects a journey of self-discovery and a return to her core musical identity. This personal and authentic phase of her career suggests that her anthem performance will be delivered with a profound sense of sincerity and emotional clarity. The performance will be a high-profile moment for her current tour and artistic chapter, ensuring she brings her A-game to the global stage.

4. A Departure from the Country Norm

The Kentucky Derby, taking place in Louisville, Kentucky, often features country music stars, such as Wynonna Judd in 2024, to appeal to the regional audience. Grace Potter, while having Americana and country influences, is fundamentally a rock artist. Her selection is a nod to the Derby's desire for an artist who transcends genres, offering a fresh sound that appeals to a broader, national audience watching the Triple Crown coverage on NBC. This departure is a conscious effort to keep the tradition feeling fresh and relevant.

5. The Unifying Moment at Churchill Downs

The sheer scale of the 151st Kentucky Derby—the massive crowd, the million-dollar horses, the spectacle of Derby Week—requires a performance that can command attention. Potter’s proven ability to dominate a large stage, honed from years of touring with Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, makes her the perfect choice. Her rendition of the anthem will be the final, unifying roar of passion before the horses race, cementing her place in the history of this iconic American sporting event. Her performance is not just a song; it's the official starting gun for the "Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports."