Kentucky
Kentucky native Wynonna Judd to perform national anthem at 150th Kentucky Derby
Five-time Grammy award-winner and Kentucky native Wynonna Judd will perform the national anthem at Churchill Downs Racetrack during the 150th Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve on Saturday, May 4.
“I am so proud to represent my home state, taking part in one of the most storied and iconic traditions,” she said. “The Kentucky Derby is something I look forward to every year and being able to perform this year makes the momentous event even more special.”
The country music icon will help kick off the historic Run for the Roses with her performance of the “Star Spangled Banner” just after 5 p.m. As is tradition, the national anthem at Churchill Downs will be broadcast live as part of NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage, expected to reach millions of viewers worldwide.
Wynonna rose to fame as one-half of “The Judds” with her mother Naomi, and the two are recognized as one of the greatest duos in country music history. Born in Ashland, Kentucky, Wynonna earned five Grammy Awards as one half of “The Judds.“ The Kentucky crooner has continued her success as a solo artist, releasing eight studio albums and recently embarked on a nationwide tour called “Back to Wy” to pay tribute to her first two solo albums.
“Wynonna Judd is a multigenerational talent who has helped shape country music over the years, and a Kentucky native, making her the perfect artist to set the stage for this once-in-a-lifetime Kentucky Derby,” Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack, said in a news release. “We’re excited for Wynonna to bring her powerful voice back to Louisville to convey the wide range of emotion for which this landmark occasion calls.”
The country music superstar joins a roster of accomplished artists who have performed the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the Run for the Roses including Carly Pearce (2023), Brittney Spencer (2022), Tori Kelly (2021), Jennifer Nettles (2019), Pentatonix (2018), Harry Connick, Jr. (2017), Lady A (2016), Josh Groban (2015), Jo Dee Messina (2014), Martina McBride (2013), Mary J. Blige (2012), Jordin Sparks (2011), Rascal Flatts (2010), and Leann Rimes (2009).
Continuing the celebration surrounding the 150th Kentucky Derby, this year’s Riders Up announcer will be lifestyle innovator and entrepreneur Martha Stewart. Stewart will issue the command to jockeys before the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby.
Churchill Downs Racetrack is also partnering with Stewart, to create the “Kentucky Derby At-Home” experience ahead of the 150th Kentucky Derby.
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.
Kentucky
Kentucky is poised to land either Donnie Freeman or Sebastian Rancik this weekend, per report
Jones posted on Twitter that “Kentucky will have (absent a major change) either Freeman or Rancik by tomorrow,” while also noting the Wildcats still need to add another shooter and another big to round out the roster.
One of the top targets is Donnie Freeman, a 6-foot-9, 205-pound sophomore forward transferring from Syracuse. Freeman arrived in Lexington on Tuesday night and began his visit on Wednesday before leaving without a commitment. While there was concern he could land at UConn, that visit has since been canceled, leaving Kentucky and St. John’s as the top teams.
Freeman averaged 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game last season, while adding nearly a block and a steal per contest. He shot 47.4% from the field but 30.2% from 3-point range across 23 games.
The other option is Sebastian Rancik, a 6-foot-11, 220-pound sophomore forward transferring from Colorado. Rancik visited Kentucky starting Wednesday through Thursday and brings a versatile skill set, averaging 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game while shooting 33.1% from 3.
Either Freeman or Rancik would provide a significant boost at the power forward position for head coach Mark Pope. Kentucky has already added guards Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins in the portal.
Kentucky football coach Will Stein reflects on new position
Will Stein was officially introduced to fans and media as the head coach for the Kentucky Wildcats, replacing Mark Stoops.
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football had its first spring game under new coach Will Stein at Kroger Field on Saturday.
The offense, in blue jerseys, had its moments. So too the defense, donning white uniforms.
Ultimately, the blue squad earned a 23-18 victory in a game called just after noon because of inclement weather.
Stein admitted he “got emotional” as he charged onto the field prior to kickoff.
“I know it wasn’t a real game, but when I ran on the field, I definitely — man, I felt it,” he said. “It was like a wave running over me. And very, very, just cool.”
While it doesn’t count in the standings, Stein walked away pleased.
“I think we got a lot of really good work,” he said. “That’s the goal of spring is to improve with fundamentals and technique, learn how to practice, learn what winning edges that we need throughout spring to go into summer and fall and prepare the team for play. And we came out of the scrimmage clean. There (were) no injuries, which to me, that’s the biggest win of the day. I could (not) care less about the score.
“If we come out clean, that’s good. The Wildcats won.”
New starting QB Kenny Minchey looked about as expected, with sharp passes evened out by moments of inconsistency. Martels Carter Jr., a defensive back who is lining up at running back this spring, scored a touchdown and had several nice runs.
And the defense forced multiple three-and-outs and also picked off one Minchey pass on a two-point conversion.
This story will be updated.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
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