Churchill Downs Racetrack announced today that GRAMMY®-nominated recording artist Grace Potter will deliver the national anthem during the 151st Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
The singer-songwriter, who is slated to release her new album Medicine later this spring, will take to the stage soon after 5 p.m. EDT. Her performance will be shown live as part of NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage.
“Grace Potter’s soulful vocals have transcended genres for more than two decades, making her a fantastic choice to lead our fans in the stands and around the country in the national anthem at this year’s Kentucky Derby,” said Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “Her powerful stage presence and electrifying performances embody the spirit and spectacle of Derby Day, and we’re thrilled for Grace to bring her powerhouse voice to Churchill Downs.”
Potter joins a list of acclaimed artists who have performed the national anthem at the Derby in recent years, including Wynonna Judd (2024), Carly Pearce (2023), 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).
Over the arc of her career, Grace has won GRAMMY® nominations for Best Rock Album, Best Rock Performance, and Best Country Duo/Group Performance, highlighting her remarkable skill. In addition to the imminent release of her record, Grace is due to join Chris Stapleton on tour in July.
The 151st Kentucky Derby is going to be a star-studded weekend. Prior to Potter’s rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” on Saturday, one of the greatest athletes of all time, Simone Biles, will have the pleasure of acting as this year’s Riders Up announcer.
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The most decorated gymnast in history with 41 medals throughout World Championships and the Olympic games, Biles holds the most World Championship medals (30) and gold medals (23) in gymnastics history. A three-time Olympian, her 11 Olympic medals and seven Olympic gold medals are the most by a US gymnast. The three-time Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year and Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year, she has earned the uncommon distinction of having five talents named in her honor—the Biles—in the beam, floor (two), and vault (two) disciplines. Biles will be taking her legacy to the Kentucky Derby, where she will instruct all jockeys to saddle their horses for the 151st running.
The weekend will kick off on Friday, May 2, when All-American National Champion gymnast Olivia Dunne instructs the Kentucky Oaks Riders Up immediately ahead of NBC The Voice Season 23 winner Gina Miles’ performance of the national anthem.
This article appears in Apr 11-24, 2025.
