Stars and celebrities who visited Louisville

The 151st Kentucky Derby is nearly here and is expected to draw huge crowds and big-name celebrities across the sports and entertainment landscape.

While it’s anyone’s guess what famous stars will soon be spotted in Louisville and Churchill Downs, previous attendees have included the late Queen Elizabeth II, Travis Kelce, Wynonna Judd and more.

Here’s a look back at the celebrities who arrived for last year’s Kentucky Derby.

Story continues after photo gallery.

Actors and Comedians spotted at the 2024 Kentucky Derby

Many famous actors and comedians appears at last year’s Kentucky Derby. Among them are:

Canadian actor Stephen Amell (Oliver Queen in Green Arrow) attended the 150th Kentucky Derby with his wife, Cassandra Jean Amell (Mad Men / One Tree Hill).

Comedian and host of the “The Tonight Show,” Jimmy Fallon, attended the derby as part of a partnership with Ford.

Comedian Tracy Morgan (30 Rock) attended the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala and 2024 Kentucky Derby.

Tracy Morgan doesn’t bet, but makes joke picking Kentucky Derby winner

Tracy Morgan doesn’t bet, but his pick for a Kentucky Derby winner is 😆

Actress Holly Robinson Peete (21 Jump Street) was spotted at the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala and the 150th Kentucky Derby.

Actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbot Elementary / Sister Act 2) appeared at the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala and attended last year’s Kentucky Derby.

The mint juleps were “a little strong,” said actress Gina Torres (Serenity / Suits / The Matrix Reloaded) last year, adding that she was having a good time attending the 2024 Kentucky Derby.

Gina Torres on watching Kentucky Derby horses, spectacle

“I’m just having such a good time.”

Actor Chris Tucker (Rush Hour / The Fifth Element) served as the emcee for the 2024 Trifecta Gala and made an appearance at Derby 150.

Athletes at the 2024 Kentucky Derby

There were plenty of sports celebrities at the 2024 Kentucky Derby, including these famous athletes:

Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs / Tight end) was spotted sans girlfriend Taylor Swift in Louisville at a party on Derby eve, or Oaks Day, as well as at Churchill Downs on Derby Day.

Travis Kelce spotted at pre-Kentucky Derby party

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was spotted at the Sports Illustrated Revel at the Races party on Friday, May 3, 2024.

Former WNBA player and four-time Olympic gold medalist Lisa Leslie attended the Trifecta Gala and 150th Kentucky Derby.

NFL Quarterback Aaron Rodgers returned to last year’s Kentucky Derby after attending in 2023. He was also at the Sports Illustrated party on Derby eve.

Three-time Super Bowl champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith was spotted at the Trifecta Gala and again at Churchill Downs for his second appearance at the Kentucky Derby.

Emmitt Smith’s shows off inside of jacket at Kentucky Derby

Emmitt Smith compared how horses and jockeys train for races to how he prepared for football games.

Then-Browns quarterback Jameis Winston struck a pose at the 2024 Kentucky Derby.

Musicians at the 2024 Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is a popular place for country singers but those weren’t the only famous musicians who arrived for last year’s race. Among them were these popular artists:

Country singer Billy Gilman (“One Voice”) attended last year’s Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala and the Derby.

Singer Josh Groban (“You Raise Me Up”) attended last year’s Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala and Kentucky Derby. Groban sang the national anthem at the 141st Kentucky Derby in 2015.

Country singer Mickey Guyton (“House on Fire” / “Black Like Me”) was spotted at last year’s Barnstable Brown Gala and the 2024 Kentucky Derby.

Louisville native Jack Harlow returned to his hometown for last year’s Kentucky Derby. The rapper and singer also attended the Kentucky Derby in 2023.

Kentucky Derby 2023 video: Jack Harlow on the red carpet

See rapper Jack Harlow on the red carpet of Kentucky Derby 149.

Scott Utterback, Louisville Courier Journal

Legendary country music singer Wynonna Judd (“No One Else on Earth” / “I Saw the Light”) attended last year’s Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala and performed the national anthem at the 2024 Kentucky Derby.

Wynonna Judd, Kentucky Derby at Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala

Wynonna Judd at Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala, May 3, 2024. She will sing the National Anthem at the 150th Kentucky Derby.

Kid Rock (“Cowboy”) made an appearance during last year’s Kentucky Derby, having previously attended in 2017.

Kid Rock talks Kentucky Derby at Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala

Kid Rock appeared on the red carpet of the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala ahead of the 150th Kentucky Derby, , May 3, 2024.

Bruno Mars (“Uptown Funk” / “That’s What I Like”) performed at the Trifecta Gala ahead of the 2024 Kentucky Derby.

Country singer Thomas Rhett (“Die a Happy Man” / “Gone Country”) attended last year’s Kentucky Derby.

Legendary country musician Randy Travis (“Forever and Ever, Amen” / “If I Didn’t Have You”) was spotted on the Kentucky Derby red carpet. The singer also attended in 2023.

Country music singer Travis Tritt (“I’m Gonna Be Somebody” / “Anymore”) attended the 150th Kentucky Derby. He and his wife, Theresa, were spotted at last year’s Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala.

Country singer Tyler Reese Tritt ‘excited’ for Kentucky Derby weekend

Singer-songwriter Tyler Reese Tritt, daughter of country music singer Travis Tritt and his wife, Theresa, talked about coming to the Derby and singing at the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala, May 3, 2024.

Other celebrity icons at the 2024 Kentucky Derby

There were plenty of other famous faces who attended the 2024 Kentucky Derby, including two female powerhouses in the business world.

Fashion designer and businesswoman Tina Knowles, the mother of singer Beyoncé, made an appearance last year at the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala and 2024 Kentucky Derby.

Beyonce’s mother Tina Knowles at Kentucky Derby party

Beyonce’s mom, Tina Knowles, came to the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala the night before the 150th Kentucky Derby.

Martha Stewart was spotted at last year’s Kentucky Derby after revealing a partnership with Churchill Downs to create the “Kentucky Derby At-Home” experience, which provided easy-to-prepare recipes and table decorating tips in line with the race.