LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Kentucky native and five-time Grammy award-winner will perform the National Anthem at Kentucky Derby 150.

Country icon Wynonna Judd will perform The Star Spangled Banner to kick off the historic 150th Run for the Roses on May 4, according to a news release from Churchill Downs. She is scheduled to take the stage just after 5 p.m. EDT. The performance will be broadcast live as part of NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage, which is expected to reach millions of viewers worldwide.

"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," Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack, said in a news release. "We’re excited for Wynonna to bring her powerful voice back to Louisville to convey the wide range of emotion for which this landmark occasion calls."

Kentucky, I’m coming HOME! Couldn’t be more excited to announce I’ll be performing the national anthem at this year’s 150th @kentuckyderby 🐎❤️🎤 !!! From going to the racetrack as a little girl to now singing the Star-Spangled Banner during this MILESTONE year, it’s such a full… pic.twitter.com/BOT9wQoxFJ
— Wynonna (@Wynonna) April 12, 2024

Wynonna became famous as one-half of "The Judds" with her mother Naomi, and the two are recognized as one of the greatest duos in country music history.

"I am so proud to represent my home state, taking part in one of the most storied and iconic traditions," Judd said in a written statement. "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."

Judd joins a list of celebrities that have performed the National Anthem before the Kentucky Derby including:

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)
Leann Rimes (2009)

Riders Up Derby Announcer

This year’s Riders Up announcer will be lifestyle innovator and entrepreneur Martha Stewart. She will command all jockeys to mount their horses before the big race.

Kentucky Oaks Anthem

Churchill Downs also announced that emerging country star Lana Scott will perform the National Anthem for the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 3, at 5 p.m. EDT.

Scott was a top eight finalist on Season 21 of NBC’s The Voice, and was chosen by Opry Entertainment as one of the "Top 10 Emerging Artists" in country music in 2023. Before singing the national anthem Lana will perform two special original songs live during the Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade at 3:15 p.m. EDT on Friday, May 3.

The parade is a moving tradition that celebrates breast and ovarian cancer survivors and encourages those still fighting their cancer battle with a march on Churchill Downs’ historic racetrack prior to the running of the Kentucky Oaks. The 16th Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade will honor the 150 survivors and fighters who have been selected.

The Kentucky Oaks Riders Up call will be done by athlete Sonny Choi. She is a breakdancing star and the first American woman to qualify for breakdancing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will be the first Olympics to feature the sport.

Watch WDRB Mornings to kick off Kentucky Oaks morning beginning at 5 a.m. Kentucky Derby day coverage begins Saturday at 6 a.m.

More Derby 150 Coverage