Five-time Grammy Award-winner and country-music icon Wynonna Judd will perform the national anthem at Kentucky Derby 2024 on May 4, Churchill Downs announced Friday.
The Kentucky native will help kick off the historic 150th run for the roses at Churchill Downs. The performance will take place just after 5 p.m. EDT and will be broadcast live as part of NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage, expected to reach millions of viewers worldwide.
“Wynonna Judd is a multigenerational talent who has helped shape country music over the years and a Kentucky native, making her the perfect artist to set the stage for this once-in-a-lifetime Kentucky Derby,” said Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs racetrack. “We’re excited for Wynonna to bring her powerful voice back to Louisville to convey the wide range of emotion for which this landmark occasion calls.”
Wynonna rose to fame as one-half of the Judds with her mother Naomi, and the two are recognized as one of the greatest duos in country music history. As part of The Judds, Wynonna earned five Grammy Awards for best country performance by a duo or group with vocal. The Kentucky crooner has continued her success as a solo artist, releasing eight studio albums over the years, and recently embarked on a nationwide tour called Back to Wy to pay tribute to her first two solo albums.
“I am so proud to represent my home state, taking part in one of the most storied and iconic traditions,” Wynonna Judd said. “The Kentucky Derby is something I look forward to every year, and being able to perform this year makes the momentous event even more special.”
Wynonna joins a roster of accomplished artists to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Derby. Past artists who have performed include Carly Pearce in 2023, Brittney Spencer in 2022, Tori Kelly in 2021, Jennifer Nettles in 2019, Pentatonix in 2018, Harry Connick Jr. in 2017, Lady A in 2016, Josh Groban in 2015, Jo Dee Messina in 2014, Martina McBride in 2013, Mary J. Blige in 2012, Jordin Sparks in 2011, Rascal Flatts in 2010 and Leann Rimes in 2009.
Lifestyle innovator and entrepreneur Martha Stewart will be this year’s riders-up announcer. Stewart will command all jockeys to mount their horses for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby.
Emerging country star Lana Scott will perform the national anthem before the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks at 5 p.m. EDT on May 3.
A top-eight finalist on season 21 of NBC’s “The Voice,” Scott was chosen by Opry Entertainment as one of the top-10 emerging artists in country music in 2023.
Before the anthem, Scott will perform two special original songs live during the Kentucky Oaks survivors parade at 3:15 p.m. EDT. The parade is a moving tradition that celebrates breast- and ovarian-cancer survivors and encourages those still fighting their cancer battle with a march on Churchill Downs’ historic racetrack. The parade will honor the 150 survivors and fighters who have been selected.
Shortly after the anthem, riders up for the Kentucky Oaks will be called by powerhouse female athlete Sonny Choi, a breakdancing star and the first U.S. woman to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the first to feature the sport.
