Harry Connick Jr. kicked off the Kentucky Derby with a performance of the National Anthem on Saturday (May 6).
The singer (also known for his stint as an American Idol judge) delivered an understated version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the piano at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. The event was broadcast live on NBC.
“Every time I get a chance to sing the national anthem it reminds me of how lucky we are to live in this country,” Connick Jr. told Today in an interview earlier in the day. “To be able to sing it at the Kentucky Derby is a very proud moment for me.”
Watch his performance below.
.@HarryConnickJR gets us ready for the #Derby with the National Anthem! pic.twitter.com/4AyuNoRuuG
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 6, 2017