05/14/26 10:17:00
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05/14 10:15 CDT Grammy-nominated Jordin Sparks selected to sing the national
anthem at the Indianapolis 500
Grammy-nominated Jordin Sparks selected to sing the national anthem at the
Indianapolis 500
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) --- Grammy-nominated Jordin Sparks will sing the national
anthem at next week's Indianapolis 500, race organizers announced Thursday.
The singer, songwriter and actress also performed the anthem before the 2015
and 2024 races. This year's "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" is scheduled for May
24.
"Jordin knows how important the national anthem performance is to the pre-race
ceremonies of the Indianapolis 500, and we have been moved by her two previous
renditions," Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles said in a
statement released by track officials. "This year's performance will be a
special moment as we mark the 250th birthday of our nation and prepare for
another incredible edition of the world's greatest race."
Boles announced Wednesday that reserved seats for the race have been sold out,
though there are still general admission tickets available. Although race
officials do not announce attendance figures, the grandstand capacity is
estimated to be 275,000 and the world's largest single-day spectator sporting
event typically has an estimated 350,000 fans in attendance.
Sparks became the youngest winner of "American Idol" in the television show's
sixth season. Since then, her singles have generated more than 10 million
digital tracks sales in the U.S. Sparks also co-wrote Ariana Grande's smash
single, "The Way."
She has toured with superstars such as Britney Spears, Alicia Keys, The Jonas
Brothers, New Kids on The Block and Backstreet Boys in addition to headlining
her own tours. Sparks owns two BET Awards, one American Music Award and one
People's Choice Award and was twice nominated for Grammys.
Sparks also has performed on Broadway, made her film debut by paying the lead
role in the film "Sparkle," opposite the late Whitney Houston, and has most
recently worked on network news programs.
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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
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