Country music act Rascal Flatts tapped to perform ‘Star Spangled Banner’ at the Kentucky Derby

Rascal Flatts tapped to perform at Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Rascal Flatts will perform the national anthem May 1 at the Kentucky Derby in Louisville.

Officials announced Thursday that the group, one of country music’s top acts, will perform “The Star Spangled Banner” at the 136th Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs.

Last year, LeAnn Rimes became the first national recording artist invited to sing the national anthem at the Derby, and the track said the addition was popular with fans so organizers decided to continue it.

Churchill Downs said it also will be adding a performance at the Kentucky Oaks, with Grammy Award-nominated quartet Little Big Town performing the national anthem at the April 30 race.