Kentucky Native Carly Pearce to sing National Anthem at Kentucky Derby 149

Grown men were brought to tears as Chris Stapleton sang the National Anthem before Super Bowl LVII. Now another Kentucky native is getting a chance to shine on a big stage at Kentucky Derby 149.

Churchill Downs announced Carly Pearce will sing the Star Spangled Banner beneath the Twin Spires on the First Saturday in May. The performance will air just after 5 o’clock during NBC’s primetime coverage of the Kentucky Derby.

Pearce is a native of Taylor Mill in Northern Kentucky. A member of the Grand Ole Opry, this year she won her first Grammy Award for Best Country Music Duo with “Never Wanted to Be That Girl.”

“Carly Pearce has been taking the country music world by storm with an impressive year of musical
performances,” said Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “We are excited for her to take center stage in Louisville to sing our National Anthem and kick off this storied celebration.”

Carly Pearce is already prepared to bring down the house at Churchill Downs.

Hmmm what could this mean?? Place your bets below for what it could be 👀#KentuckyDerby #KD149 #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/ysN0DqVOZ5

— Carly Pearce (@carlypearce) April 20, 2023

Churchill Downs also announced Rachel Platten will be at the racetrack on Friday. She’s carrying a heavier workload than Carly Pearce. In addition to the Oaks Day National Anthem, Platten will perform her hit “Fight Song” during the Survivors Parade at 3 pm. Each year Churchill Downs salutes breast and ovarian cancer survivors on Oaks Day by inviting them to celebrate their milestone with a walk down the dirt track in front of thousands.

“Rachel Platten’s ‘Fight Song’ has become an anthem for those fighting against breast and ovarian
cancers,” said Casey Ramage, Vice President of Marketing, Brand and Partnerships. “We are honored to have her perform this empowering song and partner with her for our first-ever live performance during the Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade.”

Only 10 more days until Churchill Downs becomes the center of the universe.