The Kentucky Derby is one of the longest-standing sporting events in the United States, and with that comes plenty of pomp and circumstance.
The pageantry includes the singing of the national anthem. And for the 150th annual Run for the Roses, Kentucky's own Wynonna Judd will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Dozens of celebrities will join Judd at Louisville's Churchill Downs to watch the race, but she'll be the one kicking off the festivities.
The Sporting News provides all there is to know about Judd and previous Kentucky Derby anthem singers.
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Who is Wynonna Judd?
Judd is a five-time Grammy Award-winning country singer. The 59-year-old singer was born and raised in Kentucky.
She entered the country music scene in the 1980s as a member of "The Judds," a duo with her mother Naomi. She became a solo artist in the early 1990s.
"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.
Judd said she looks forward to the Kentucky Derby each year and is honored to be singing the Star Spangled Banner this year.
“I am so proud to represent my home state, taking part in one of the most storied and iconic traditions,” 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.”
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When is the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is set to begin at 6:57 p.m. ET Saturday, May 4, but coverage will begin at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
Where is the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
