Josh Groban to Perform 2015 Kentucky Derby National Anthem

Josh Groban to Perform 2015 Kentucky Derby National Anthem: Renditions of our nation’s anthem are not new to famous sporting events, but with all the celebrities that attend the Kentucky Derby, the guest anthem singer can prove to be a real treat for racegoers. The 2015 guest performer will be the famed and critically acclaimed singer Josh Groban on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Churchill Downs for the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby.

The Kentucky Derby is internationally known, but it is rooted in the south with various southern traditions. Previous artists who have performed the National Anthem at the Kentucky Derby add to that southern feel, including such country artists as Lee Ann Rimes, Rascal Flatts, Martina McBride, and Jo Dee Messina. However, the Kentucky Derby has also featured singers outside of the country genre, such as Jordin Sparks, Mary J. Blige, and now Josh Groban, showing that the Derby and its entertainment envelops a vast audience. Thus, the Kentucky Derby is known for allowing a variety of artists across musical genres to perform the National Anthem. The tradition is a recent one as it just began in 2009, and it is still going strong since it has proven to be one of the highlights of Kentucky Derby race day.

Groban has attended the Kentucky Derby before, but only as a spectator. This time around, Groban will be an official participant of the Kentucky Derby, and the audience will get to enjoy Groban’s classically trained voice. Groban’s performance will take place in the Kentucky Derby’s Winner’s Circle around 5:00 in the evening in order to kick things off right before the 2015 Kentucky Derby. Groban is internationally recognized and has won countless awards, and he has had two albums on Billboard’s top best-sellers list. Groban’s performance will surely set the tone for a great evening of racing.

For those of us at home who are unable to attend the 2015 Kentucky Derby, Groban’s performance will be live-broadcasted on NBC as part of the Derby coverage.

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