National Anthem Before Indy 500 Turns Heads
In the lead-up to the Indianapolis 500, Natalie Grant, a nine-time Grammy nominee, was announced as the singer of the national anthem before the start of the 109th running of the race.
“Natalie’s emotional and stirring rendition of the national anthem in front of the grandstand sellout crowd will be an unforgettable moment during pre-race ceremonies for the Indy 500,” INDYCAR and IMS president J. Douglas Boles said in a statement at the time. “The national anthem pays honor to the country we love and gets us one step closer to the final, dramatic and electric moments leading up to the start of the Indianapolis 500.”
While rain delayed the start of the race, Grant went on to perform her own rendition of the anthem with flags behind her showing the true force of the wind on Sunday, May 25.
???????? @NatalieGrant performs our National Anthem pic.twitter.com/aQLu3GOC7q
— INDYCAR on FOX (@IndyCarOnFOX) May 25, 2025
Reactions to Grant's national anthem were mixed, with some believing she should sing the iconic song at every Indy 500 while others weren't too pleased.
"Another person mucking up the National Anthem at the Indy 500! It's not about the singer, it's about the nation! She made it about herself! Terrible!" one person said.
"What is amazing about the playing of TAPS at the Indy 500 -- 350,000 on site and you can hear a pin drop. But of course, that is followed by another dreadful National Anthem," added another.
"She did a beautiful job!" offered a third.
Grant is a singer and songwriter best known for her work in Christian and gospel music who has won five GMA Dove Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year.
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