Grammy® Nominated Singer-Songwriter Grace Potter to Perform National Anthem at the 151st Kentucky Derby®
Simone Biles, Sports Icon and Most-Decorated Gymnast of All-Time to Present Riders Up
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Wednesday, April 16, 2025) – Churchill Downs Racetrack announced today that GRAMMY® nominated recording artist Grace Potter will perform the national anthem at the 151st Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
The singer-songwriter, who is set to release her new album “Medicine” later this spring, will take to the stage just after 5 p.m. EDT when her performance will be broadcast 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.”
Grace Potter follows in the footsteps of legendary artists who have performed the national anthem for the famed race before her, 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 span of her career, Grace has received GRAMMY® nominations for Best Rock Album, Best Rock Performance and Best Country Duo/Group Performance, celebrating her incredible talent. In addition to the upcoming release of her album, Grace is set to join Chris Stapleton on tour in July.
The 151st Kentucky Derby is set 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 honor of serving as this year’s Riders Up announcer. The most decorated gymnast in history with 41 medals across 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 rare distinction of having five skills 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 command all jockeys to mount 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, just ahead of NBC The Voice Season 23 winner Gina Miles’ performance of the national anthem.
For More Information on Grace Potter:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/gracepotterofficial
Official Website: https://www.gracepotter.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GracePotter
Twitter: https://x.com/gracepotter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graciepotter
About The Kentucky Derby
The $5 million Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday in May at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Inaugurated in 1875, the legendary 1 1/4-mile race for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds is the longest continually held major sporting event in North America and the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown series. Also known as, “The Run for the Roses®” and “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®,” the Kentucky Derby is the most attended horse race in the nation. The 151st Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025. For more information, please visit www.KentuckyDerby.com.
About Churchill Downs Racetrack
Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”), the world’s most legendary racetrack, has been the home of The Kentucky Derby, the longest continually held annual sporting event in the United States, since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks, and conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in the Spring, September and Fall. CDRT is located on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area, and provides seating for approximately 60,000 guests. The stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility. www.ChurchillDowns.com.
Media Contacts
Darren Rogers
Senior Director, Communications & Media Services
Churchill Downs Racetrack
Phone: 502-636-4461
Email: [email protected]
