Reactions were mixed in response to the Kentucky Derby national anthem
· Yahoo Sports
The Tedeschi Trucks Band performed "The Star Spangled Banner" at Churchill Downs ahead of the 152nd Kentucky Derby around 5 p.m. on May 2.
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Fans took to social media shortly after the performance to share their thoughts about the the American blues rock group's rendition of the national anthem.
Reviews were mostly mixed, but viewers had a lot to say about the performance. Here's what we know.
Several people found the performance to be amazing.
Very cool that the Kentucky Derby had a little Allman flavor w Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks for the National Anthem.
— DJ Otis Badass (@DJOtisBadass) May 2, 2026
I love the #KentuckyDerby. pic.twitter.com/TKlutWcrg7
W00t! to Susan Tedeschi
— Jason Neely (@bondibox) May 2, 2026
that's gotta be the best version of the National Anthem ever.
THAT is how you do the National Anthem. It is not about you, but you do it exceptionally well. @DerekAndSusanhttps://t.co/KdHtHjz0iE
— CaptainTouchback (@CaptTouchback) May 2, 2026
@DerekAndSusan well done on The National Anthem!! #kyderby
— Van Winkle and the Spirits (@vanwinklemusic) May 2, 2026
Others absolutely hated the performance
Gonna be honest. The national anthem sucked.
— Philip Pendleton (@philmoneymanagr) May 2, 2026
The Tedeschi Trucks Band just performed the National Anthem at the Kentucky Derby.
— Dan (@Blue_Cat_X) May 2, 2026
Why?
What a train wreck!
The Kentucky Derby National Anthem performance SUCKED!!
— Bryan Gaming Journalist (@BryanApplegate5) May 2, 2026
A few people said they liked the vocals, but not the guitar
@ChurchillDowns the electric guitar made that national anthem sound terrible I mean absolutely horrendous. I mean they should refund every ticket. They was so bad and pay the debt. They owe America for putting that performance together for the Kentucky Derby.
— Matthew Abramson (@MatthewAbr81822) May 2, 2026
Several users made comments about people in attendance not removing their hats
Apparently the Kentucky Derby is the only place you don't have to remove your hat for the National Anthem #DerbyDayLive
— J.Allen (@Bu83Ja) May 2, 2026
Why aren’t people removing their hats at the Kentucky Derby for the National Anthem?!
— Jeremy Brokate (@JeremyBrokate) May 2, 2026
One user did point out that technically, fascinators, the hairpieces women wear at the Derby, aren't exactly hats
Kentucky Derby Announcer: Please stand and remove your hats for the National Anthem.
— Christopher Harkey (@ccharkey17) May 2, 2026
Every woman in attendance m: ummm, it’s glued to my head.
Katie Wiseman covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at [email protected]. Follow her on Bluesky, Twitter and Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Derby fans react to Tedeschi Trucks Band's national anthem performance