Nicole Scherzinger to sing national anthem at 2026 Kentucky Oaks

The 2026 Kentucky Derby promises to be a star-studded weekend, kicking off Friday, May 1 with the Kentucky Oaks.

As has become tradition, Churchill Downs Racetrack announces a major performer to sing the national anthem before the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby races.

Nicole Scherzinger is coming home in a big way. Ahead of the 2026 Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 1, the Louisville‑raised superstar, who is fresh off her 2025 Tony Award win for best actress in a Broadway musical, will step onto the track to sing the national anthem.

“The Kentucky Oaks steps into a brighter national spotlight this year with its move to primetime, and we couldn’t be prouder to see this moment realized,” Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated, said in a news release. “We’re raising the bar for an unforgettable Oaks experience by bringing the energy of this historic race under the lights through an exciting fan program, highlighted by a performance from multi-platinum-selling artist Nicole Scherzinger, along with a strengthened commitment to women’s health initiatives across the track.”

Scherzinger, a 1996 graduate of the Youth Performing Arts School, earned her Tony for a powerhouse turn as Norma Desmond in the revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Sunset Boulevard,” a role that cemented her as one of Broadway’s most commanding leading ladies.

Though born in Honolulu, Scherzinger grew up in Louisville, where she cut her teeth performing at Actors Theatre of Louisville and entertaining crowds at Kentucky Kingdom. From there, her career rocketed as a member of Eden’s Crush, Days of the New, and ultimately global fame with The Pussycat Dolls. With just two albums and more than 55 million records sold, the Dolls became one of the best‑selling female groups on the planet.

“The Kentucky Oaks is such a meaningful celebration of tradition, community, the spirit that brings people together and the important role women play in the event’s legacy,” Scherzinger said in the news release. “As someone who was raised in Louisville, coming home to be part of it is incredibly meaningful to me and my family who will be joining me. I’m truly honored to represent my hometown.”

In March, The Pussycat Dolls announced the group is reuniting, this time as a trio featuring Scherzinger, Ashley Roberts and Kimberly Wyatt for the “PCD Forever Tour,” a 53‑show run across North America and Europe, kicking off June 5.

Churchill Downs is doubling down on star power for Kentucky Oaks Day. In addition to Scherzinger delivering the national anthem, the track has tapped Camille Kostek to call the iconic “Riders Up” before the running of the Oaks.

Kostek, this year’s Sports Illustrated featured celebrity guest for the Kentucky Oaks, brings her signature mix of glamour, confidence and joy to the event. The American model, television host and actress first broke through as a 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover star, becoming a fan favorite for her “Never Not Dancing” mantra and outspoken body‑positivity advocacy.

Before her rise in entertainment, Kostek cheered on the sidelines as a New England Patriots cheerleader, later moving into television with hosting gigs including “Wipeout” and a role in the hit film “Free Guy.” She’s also well known for her long‑term relationship with former NFL standout Rob Gronkowski.

And 2026 marks another milestone as Kostek returns for her ninth Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, solidifying her place as one of the magazine’s most recognizable faces.

With Kostek calling “Riders Up” and Scherzinger delivering the anthem, Oaks Day is shaping up to be a celebration of powerhouse women taking center stage at Churchill Downs.

Looking ahead to Saturday, May 2, the Tedeschi Trucks Band will perform the national anthem at the 2026 Kentucky Derby.

Tickets for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby on May 1-2 are available by visiting KentuckyDerby.com and DerbyExperiences.com, or calling 502-636-4447.

This story has been updated.

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at [email protected]

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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.courier-journal.com ’