Brittney Spencer to Sing National Anthem at 148th Kentucky Derby
Brittney Spencer will kick off the race with the national anthem. Courtesy of Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs Racetrack today announced that power vocalist Brittney Spencer will sing the national anthem at the 148th Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve on Saturday, May 7.
The announcement comes after Spencer's first CMT nomination and performance at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, according to a news release. Spencer's singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" will be in front of the approximately 150,000 fans expected to be in attendance at this year's race. The performance will take place just after 5:00 p.m. EDT and be broadcast live as part of NBC's Kentucky Derby coverage.
Spencer is the twelfth major artist to perform the national anthem at the iconic horse race. Past artists who have performed include Tori Kelly (2021), Jennifer Nettles (2019), Pentatonix (2018), Harry Connick, Jr. (2017), Lady A (2016), Josh Groban (2015), Jo Dee Messina (2014), Martina McBride (2013), and Mary J. Blige (2012).
Named as a People Magazine "Hollywood One to Watch," the Baltimore native is known for her free spirit and standout ability to mold life, truth and wild imagination into songs. Her recent single "Sober & Skinny" has garnered praise from music critics, and this year she will opening for Willie Nelson, Megan Thee Stallion, Maren Morris, Brandi Carlile and more.
Additionally, Louisville native and chart-topping rapper, Jack Harlow, has been granted the special honor of commanding the Kentucky Derby jockeys to mount their horses as the announcer for this year's Riders Up.
