Entertainment

Josh Groban to sing national anthem at Kentucky Derby

/ CBS/AP

For Josh Groban, the second time will be the charm at the Kentucky Derby.

The multiplatinum-selling Groban has been selected to sing the national anthem at the annual thoroughbred race, to be held May 2 at the Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. It is an upgrade for Groban; the last time he attended the event, he was a spectator.

The classically inspired crooner will become the seventh person to sing the national anthem at the Derby; the tradition started in 2009. Previous performers included Martina McBride, Mary J. Blige, Jordin Sparks and Rascal Flatts.

The race is the first in the Triple Crown; the next will be the Preakness Stakes on May 16, followed by the Belmont Stakes on June 6.

Groban's performance will air on NBC.

First published on April 6, 2015 / 12:43 PM EDT

© 2015 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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