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Natalie Grant, who collaborated with Dolly Parton for a Top 10 radio hit in 2024, will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Sunday’s 109th running of the Indianapolis 500.
Grant was announced Wednesday as part of the pre-race lineup at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Grant, a five-time Gospel Music Association Dove Awards female vocalist of the year, follows recent national anthem singers Jordin Sparks (2024), Jewel (2023) and Jordan Fisher (2022).
“Natalie’s emotional and stirring rendition of the national anthem in front of the grandstand sellout crowd will be an unforgettable moment,” said Doug Boles, IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway president, in a written statement.
Track officials announced Tuesday that all tickets for reserved seating have been purchased. General admission tickets are still available.
Because of the grandstand sellout, Sunday’s race will not be subjected to a local TV blackout that’s been a common practice dating to 1950. Viewers can watch the race live on WXIN-TV Channel 59.
Seattle native Grant and music icon Parton landed in the Top 10 of Mediabase’s adult contemporary radio chart with their 2024 cover of Whitney Houston song “Step by Step.”
Grant joins a Race Day lineup that includes Indianapolis native Ephraim Owens singing “America the Beautiful” and opera star Arturo Chacón-Cruz singing “God Bless America.”
Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan will drive the pace car at the beginning of the race.
Football icon Tom Brady will ride in a customized two-seat race car driven by Jimmie Johnson as part of pre-race festivities. Brady’s former teammate, Rob Gronkowski, will serve as grand marshal for the Indy 500 Snake Pit concert inside Turn 3 on Sunday.
Strahan, Brady and Gronkowski work as NFL analysts for Fox Sports, which will carry the Indianapolis 500 for the first time.
The artist lineup for the electronic music-focused Snake Pit concert includes Illenium, Sammy Virji, Two Friends, Kayzo and Oliver Heldens.
Bret Michaels and the All-American Rejects will share a bill at Friday’s Carb Day Concert at the track. On Saturday, Midland will headline the Legends Day concert at Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park.
The Indy 500 is scheduled to begin at 12:45 p.m. Sunday.
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