Jordin Sparks to sing national anthem at 99th Indy 500
"We're looking forward to having Jordin Sparks deliver the national anthem during our pre-race ceremonies," said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president. "We know she'll be warmly welcomed by our race fans and will deliver an outstanding rendition of the anthem moments before our 33 drivers take the green flag."
In 2007, Sparks rose to fame after becoming the youngest champion in series' history to win American Idol at the age of 17. Sparks' upcoming third studio album titled "Right Here, Right Now" is scheduled for release in Summer 2015.
"The opportunity to sing at the world's largest one-day sporting event is the thrill of a lifetime," Sparks said. "I can't wait to be part of it."
Sparks is the only American Idol contestant to have her first five singles reach the top 20 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 charts, which also included top-10 singles "Tattoo," "No Air," and "Battlefield." Throughout her career, Sparks has won numerous awards, including an American Music Award, a BET Award, an NAACP Image Award, a People's Choice Award and two Teen Choice Awards.
During a five-year solo music hiatus, Sparks pursued careers in acting and Broadway, most recently starring along-side the late Whitney Houston in Sparkle in 2012.
In November 2014, Sparks released her first mixtape titled #ByeFelicia, under her new recording deal with "Louder than Life/Red Associated Labels," a joint deal with Sony Music Entertainment. Off her forthcoming album, Sparks' lead single "Double Tap" featuring 2 Chainz is currently making the rounds on radio.
Joining a growing list of distinguished "500" anthem singers, Sparks follows in the footsteps of LeAnn Rimes, Kelly Clarkson, Seal, Julianne Hough, Jessica Simpson, Steven Tyler and Jewel in honoring our nation before "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
The 2015 Indianapolis 500 will air on ABC at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, May 24.