Thursday, April 28, 2011

JORDIN SPARKS TO SING NATIONAL ANTHEM AT KENTUCKY DERBY 137

LOUISVILLE, KY (Thursday, April 28, 2011) – Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling recording artist Jordin Sparks will sing the national anthem prior to the 137th running of the $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (GI) on Saturday, May 7 at Churchill Downs.

Sparks, a 21-year-old native of Phoenix, Ariz., will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” around 5:10 p.m. ET following the running of the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (GI). The performance will be carried live on NBC Sports’ coverage of Kentucky Derby 137 which airs 4-7 p.m. ET.


Jordin Sparks has released two albums since her “American Idol” win at age 17. Her self-titled debut and sophomore albums, Battlefield (19 recordings/Jive Records) feature such chart-topping hits as “Tattoo,” “No Air,” “Battlefield” and “One Step At A Time” and have sold more than 1.6 million copies worldwide. Sparks has received American Music, People’s Choice and Teen Choice awards as well as Grammy and multiple MTV VMA nominations. She also has toured extensively with Alicia Keys, the Jonas Brothers and Britney Spears and in 2010 did her first headlining tour. Sparks will release a new single in coming weeks and join as a special guest on the New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys North American tour that kicks off May 25.

More information about Jordin Sparks can be found at http://www.jordinsparks.com.

The Fort Knox Army Band, which has performed an instrumental version of the national anthem near the start of the race card, will continue to do so this year for the on-track crowd. General admission tickets to Kentucky Derby 137 ($40) and its companion event, Kentucky Oaks 137 ($25) can purchased online at http://www.churchilldowns.com/tickets.

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