Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town Head To The Kentucky Derby

Top Country group of the new millennium, Rascal Flatts, and platinum-selling band Little Big Town will perform the national anthem live at two separate horse races.

 

Rascal Flatts will continue the newest Kentucky Derby Day tradition prior to the running of the 136th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 1, by performing the national anthem.

 

“The Kentucky Derby is steeped in tradition, and last year we added to that rich collage by including the first-ever live performance of the national anthem by an internationally known recording artist,” said Julie Koenig Loignon, vice president of brand development and marketing for the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs Incorporated.

 

LeAnn Rimes began the modern-day tradition in 2009 when she performed the national anthem live as part of the Derby pre-race festivities.

 

This year, Rascal Flatt’s performance will be broadcasted by NBC Sport from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. EST.

 

In addition, the Flatts boys will take the stage on FOX’s American Idol next Wednesday, April 28. They will perform their hit, “Unstoppable,” and sing with Shakira on her song, “Gypsy.”

 

This won’t be the trio's first appearance on the show. The group performed in May 2005 as the musical guest of Carrie Underwood and then came back again in 2007 on Idol Gives Back.

 

At the Kentucky Oaks Day program, the Derby’s sister race for 3-year-old fillies, a new element will be initiated this year when the Grammy-nominated quartet, Little Big Town, performs. This is the first year a live performance of the national anthem will be made at the Kentucky Oaks event.

 

“The foursome was recently nominated by the Academy of Country Music for the award ‘Vocal Group of the Year,’ a distinction also given to Rascal Flatts,” Koenig Loignon said.

 

The group has produced hit Top 5 singles such as “Bring It On Home,” “Good As Gone” and “A Little More You.” In addition, they have been nominated at the Grammy Awards, the Country Music Association Awards and CMT Music Awards.