INDIANAPOLIS (AP) 鈥� 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 鈥淕reatest Spectacle in Racing鈥� is scheduled for May 24.
鈥淛ordin 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,鈥� Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles said in a statement released by track officials. “This year鈥檚 performance will be a special moment as we mark the 250th birthday of our nation and prepare for another incredible edition of the world鈥檚 greatest race.鈥�
Boles announced Wednesday that , 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 鈥淎merican Idol鈥� 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鈥檚 smash single, 鈥淭he Way.鈥�
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鈥檚 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 鈥淪parkle,鈥� opposite the late Whitney Houston, and has most recently worked on network news programs.
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