LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The pride of Kenton County, Kentucky takes center stage at the Kentucky Derby the first Saturday in May. Churchill Downs announced Grammy-award winner Carly Pearce will sing the National Anthem at Derby 149.

“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.”

Pearce, originally from Taylor Mill, Kentucky, won her first Grammy Award in February for “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” with Ashley McBryde. She is also the reigning Academy of Country Music (ACM) Female Artist of the Year. Pearce’s luck is going strong, as she just scored her fourth No. 1 song, “What He Didn’t Do.”

The National Anthem is scheduled to take place just after 5 p.m. during NBC’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby. About 16 million viewers worldwide are expected to see her performance. Pearce joins a list of well-known performers who have come to the Derby to sing the National Anthem. They include Brittney Spencer (2022), 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), Mary J. Blige (2012), Jordin Sparks (2011), Rascal Flatts (2010) and LeAnn Rimes (2009).

Kentucky Oaks

Artist Rachel Platten will not only sing the National Anthem before the Kentucky Oaks, but will also perform her hit “Fight Song” during the Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 5. “Fight Song” provides a message of hope and strength.

The parade is an emotional celebration every year, honoring breast and ovarian cancer survivors and urging those fighting cancer to never give up. 2023 marks the 15th Oaks Survivors Parade. 149 survivors and fighters will walk the historic Churchill Downs racetrack.

Rachel Platten will not only sing the National Anthem before the Kentucky Oaks, she will perform "Fight Song" during the Survivors Parade (Churchill Downs)

Casey Ramage, Vice President of Marketing, Brand and Partnerships said, “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.”

The National Anthem on Oaks Day will be performed at 5 p.m.