Grammy-Winning Singer Carly Pearce, Emmy Award Winner Rachel Platten To Perform Kentucky Derby Weekend

April 25th, 2023

Carly Pearce, Rachel Platten, Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, Triple Crown, Churchill Downs, national anthem

Recording artists Carly Pearce, left, and Rachel Platten, right, will perform at the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.

Churchill Downs announced that Grammy Award-winning country music singer, songwriter, and Kentucky native Carly Pearce will sing the National Anthem at the 149th Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve on Saturday, May 6, 2023. In addition, singer and songwriter Rachel Platten will kick off Derby weekend by performing the National Anthem and her hit “Fight Song” during the Kentucky Oaks Survivor’s Parade at the Longines Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 5.

The announcement comes at an exciting time for Pearce, who made history in February with her first Grammy Award win for “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” with Ashley McBryde, becoming the first female pairing to win an award in that category. The singer’s live performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” will take place just after 5 p.m. EDT and will be broadcast live as part of NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage, expected to reach more than 16 million fans worldwide.

“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.”

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The reigning ACM Awards Female Artist of the of the Year recently earned her fourth career No. 1 song with “What He Didn’t Do” which she performed at the CMT Music Awards earlier this month in addition to a standout performance of “Just a Girl” with Gwen Stefani. Pearce released her first live album 29: Written In Stone (Live From Music City) last month and is currently on the road touring.

Pearce joins a distinguished list of major artists to perform the National Anthem at the Kentucky Derby. Past artists who have performed 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).

Longines Kentucky Oaks, Friday May 5

The Longines Kentucky Oaks will feature singer-songwriter Rachel Platten performing both the National Anthem as well as her chart-topping hit “Fight Song” – which she will sing live during the Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade at 3 p.m. EDT on Friday, May 5. 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 Longines Kentucky Oaks.

Platten’s widely popular track, "Fight Song," an uplifting message of hope, courage, and strength, is the perfect accompaniment for this empowering tribute. The 15th Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade will honor the 149 survivors and fighters who have been selected. Platten’s National Anthem performance will take place at 5 p.m. EDT.

“Rachel Platten’s ‘Fight Song’ has become an anthem for those fighting against breast and ovarian cancers,” said Casey Ramage, Vice President of Marketing, Brand and Partnerships. “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.”