You know the feeling. The air in Louisville gets thick with the scent of lilies, expensive bourbon, and a nervous energy that only 150,000 people crammed into Churchill Downs can produce. Everyone focuses on the horse race. It’s the "Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," after all. But honestly, before the gates even fly open, there’s a moment that usually flies under the radar for casual bettors but means everything to the people in the stands: the Kentucky Derby national anthem. It’s the bridge between the morning’s fashion show and the afternoon’s high-stakes chaos.
Churchill Downs doesn’t just pick anyone for this. It isn't a karaoke bar.
There is a specific weight to singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" under those twin spires. Unlike the Super Bowl, where the anthem is a high-gloss pop spectacle often over-produced to the point of exhaustion, the Derby version feels... different. It’s more steeped in old-school Americana. Over the years, we’ve seen a shift from military bands to massive global superstars, and each choice says a lot about where the Derby is trying to go as a brand.
Why the Kentucky Derby National Anthem Matters More Than You Think
Usually, the anthem is just the thing you stand up for while holding a plastic cup of beer. At the Derby, it’s the formal signal that the party is over and the business of racing has begun. The tradition of having a major recording artist perform the anthem is actually a relatively recent development in the race's 150-plus year history. For decades, the musical duties were handled with a bit more local flair or military precision.
Things changed as the Derby leaned harder into its "celebrity" era. Now, the singer of the Kentucky Derby national anthem is often a carefully guarded secret until the weeks leading up to the first Saturday in May. Getting it right is a PR balancing act. Churchill Downs has to please the traditionalists who want a straight, respectful rendition, but they also want the social media buzz that comes with a Grammy winner hitting a high note.
A Look Back at Recent Performers
If you look at the roster from the last decade, you start to see a pattern. They like powerhouses. In 2024, for the historic 150th "Run for the Roses," the honor went to Wynonna Judd. It made perfect sense. She’s country royalty. She’s a Kentuckian. Her voice has that weathered, soulful grit that matches the dirt of the track. When she stepped out, there was this collective breath held across the infield. It wasn't just about the song; it was about the homecoming.
👉 See also: LeBron James Without Beard: Why the King Rarely Goes Clean Shaven Anymore
Then you have 2023, where Brittney Spencer took the mic. She represented a different side of the industry—rising, fresh, and incredibly talented. Before her, we saw Brittney Spencer, Carly Pearce (2022), and Tori Kelly (2021). Notice a trend? The Derby leans heavily into the country and pop-crossover world. It fits the aesthetic of the hats and the seersucker suits perfectly.
- 2024: Wynonna Judd
- 2023: Brittney Spencer
- 2022: Carly Pearce
- 2021: Tori Kelly
- 2019: Jennifer Nettles
- 2018: Pentatonix (A rare group performance)
- 2017: Harry Connick Jr.
Interestingly, 2020 was a weird one. Because of the pandemic, the race was moved to September, and the anthem was performed by the 202nd Army Band of the Kentucky National Guard. It was a return to the roots of the event—solemn, local, and without the glitz of a Hollywood star. Some fans actually preferred it. It felt less like a show and more like a ceremony.
The Logistical Nightmare of the Infield
Most people watching at home on NBC see a tight shot of the singer’s face, maybe a slow pan to a horse in the paddock. They don't see the sheer logistical madness happening on the ground. Singing the Kentucky Derby national anthem is a technical minefield.
First off, the acoustics at Churchill Downs are famously difficult. You are in a massive, open-air bowl. The sound bounces off the grandstands and the luxury boxes. If the monitors in the singer's ears are off by even a fraction of a second, they’ll hear their own voice echoing back at them from the far end of the track. It’s enough to make even a professional lose their place.
Then there’s the crowd. 150,000 people aren't quiet. Even during the anthem, there’s the hum of the infield, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional roar from someone who’s had one too many Mint Juleps. To stand there and deliver a flawless a cappella or lightly accompanied version of the hardest song in the American songbook? That takes serious guts.
✨ Don't miss: When is Georgia's next game: The 2026 Bulldog schedule and what to expect
Does it actually impact the race?
Technically, no. The horses don't care about the high notes. But for the jockeys and the trainers, the anthem is the moment they start the "Walkover." This is the procession where the horses leave the paddock and walk across the track to the post. It’s an incredibly emotional time. Many trainers have said that hearing the anthem is when the reality of the Derby finally hits them. The stakes become real. The million-dollar purses, the years of breeding, the 4:00 AM workouts—it all culminates in those few minutes after the last note of the anthem fades.
Common Misconceptions About the Music at Churchill Downs
One thing people get wrong all the time is confusing the national anthem with "My Old Kentucky Home." They are two totally different vibes. The national anthem is the formal start. "My Old Kentucky Home," performed by the University of Louisville Marching Band, is the emotional peak. That’s the one where everyone cries. If you’re planning a trip to the Derby, don't be the person who starts singing about "the sun shines bright" when the singer is still on "the rockets' red glare."
Another myth is that the singers get paid a king's ransom. While the specific contracts aren't public, it's widely understood in the industry that for events of this stature—like the Super Bowl or the Derby—the "payment" is often the massive exposure. You’re performing for nearly 15 million TV viewers. That kind of marketing is worth way more than a standard performance fee. Plus, the singer usually gets the best seat in the house for the rest of the day.
How the Singer is Chosen
The selection process isn't a public vote. It’s handled by the executive team at Churchill Downs. They look for a few specific things:
- Relevance: Are they currently touring or did they just win an award?
- Voice Power: Can they handle an a cappella performance in a stadium? (No "mumble rappers" here).
- Brand Alignment: Do they fit the "sophisticated but fun" vibe of the Derby?
- Kentucky Connections: Bonus points if they have roots in the Bluegrass State.
The 2018 choice of Pentatonix was a bit of a curveball because it was an a cappella group rather than a solo artist. It was a huge hit. It proved that the Derby is willing to experiment with the format as long as the quality stays high. Honestly, it’s one of the most stressful gigs in music. You mess up a lyric at the Derby, and you’ll be a meme before the horses even reach the first turn.
🔗 Read more: Vince Carter Meme I Got One More: The Story Behind the Internet's Favorite Comeback
What to Watch for in Future Anthems
As we look toward the 2026 and 2027 races, expect the trend of "modern country" to continue. However, don't be surprised if we see more diverse genres represented. The Derby is trying hard to skew younger. They want the Gen Z and Millennial audience that tunes in for the fashion and the "vibe" as much as the gambling.
If you're betting on who the next singer might be, look at the Billboard Country charts about three months before the race. Or, look for a legendary icon who is on a "farewell" tour. Churchill Downs loves a legacy moment.
Tips for Fans Attending the Derby
If you're lucky enough to be there in person, here is how to actually enjoy the Kentucky Derby national anthem without the stress:
- Get to your seat early. The pre-race ceremonies move fast. If you're still in line for a drink at 5:00 PM, you're going to miss it.
- Silence your phone. Not for "respect," but because you won't be able to hear anything if you're trying to film it on a crappy microphone anyway. Just live in the moment.
- Watch the Jumbotrons. Unless you have front-row seats near the winner’s circle, you won’t see the singer. The big screens are your best friend.
- Pay attention to the flyover. Usually, the anthem ends with a military flyover. It’s timed to the second. If the singer drags out the "brave," the jets might pass by too early. It’s a feat of incredible timing.
The anthem is more than just a song at the Derby. It's the "deep breath before the plunge." It's the last moment of stillness before the thunder of hooves takes over. Whether it’s a country star, a pop diva, or a military band, the performance sets the tone for the entire day.
Actionable Next Steps for Derby Fans
- Check the Official Site: Around late March or early April, Churchill Downs typically announces the year’s performer. Bookmark their news page.
- Review Past Performances: If you're a music nerd, YouTube has a great archive of Derby anthems. Compare Wynonna Judd’s 2024 version to Josh Groban’s 2015 performance to see how the styles have shifted.
- Learn the Lyrics: It sounds silly, but if you're in the stands, people will be singing along. Don't be the one humming the melody because you forgot the second verse.
- Plan Your Betting Schedule: Make sure your final bets for the main race are in before the anthem starts. The lines at the windows and the lag on the apps get brutal right after the music ends.
The Derby is a marathon of a day, but those two minutes of the anthem are where the magic really starts to settle in. Enjoy it. It’s part of the fabric of the greatest race on earth.