• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Contact Us
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Culture

Wynonna Judd performs National Anthem at 150th Kentucky Derby for 'full circle moment'

2:26
Best of Wynonna Judd
Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images
ByBethany Braun-Silva
May 04, 2024, 7:29 PM

As the Kentucky Derby kicked off for its 150th running at Churchill Downs in Louisville on Saturday, Wynonna Judd took to the track for an emotionally charged rendition of the national anthem.

Judd's performance added a poignant layer to this year's event, as it coincides with the second anniversary of her mother, Naomi Judd's passing.

For Wynonna, a Kentucky native, who has long been deeply connected to horse racing, this performance proved to be a tribute to her roots.

"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 circle moment," Judd captioned an April 12 Instagram post.

On May 1, Judd also took to social media to share her excitement for the Kentucky Derby writing, "My favorite horse won’t be @churchilldowns this weekend, but we’re still celebrating in style together! 🤍🐎 (I’m so excited that I’ve been wearing my Derby fascinator around the farm).

Taking the stage at Churchill Downs, her performance not only kicked off the historic 150th Derby but also served as a poignant moment of remembrance and celebration.

Related Topics

  • Triple Crown

Up Next in Culture—

Country music singer Nicole Taylor of Taylor Red dies at 35

November 3, 2026

Dolly Parton's nephew asks for estate's lawsuit against him to be thrown out

November 3, 2026

'Dancing with the Stars' season 35: See who is eliminated

November 3, 2026

Ellen DeGeneres mourns death of longtime producer Matthew Wright, 52

November 2, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Your Privacy Choices— 
  • Contact Us— 
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts— 

© 2026 ABC News