The Indianapolis 500 is running it back with one of last year’s pre-race performers.
Indianapolis native and “The Voice” alum Ephraim Owens will sing “America the Beautiful” for the second year in a row at the Indy 500, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced. Owens will return for the race’s 110th running May 24 following performances of the song at last year’s race and the national anthem at the Brickyard 400 in 2024.
Owens famously turned all four chairs during his 2023 “Voice” audition, opting to join coach John Legend’s team over Niall Horan, Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani. The Lawrence Central graduate was eliminated in the next round.
“Ephraim’s love for his home state of Indiana is just as evident as his passion and talent for musical performance,” IMS and IndyCar President Doug Boles said in a news release. “His performance of ‘America the Beautiful’ will be an important and moving tribute to our country as we celebrate America’s 250 and the traditions of the Indy 500.”
The Owens announcement adds to a growing list of locks for race festivities. German DJ Zedd will headline this year’s Snake Pit on race day, and ’90s alternative favorites Counting Crows will lead Carb Day on May 22 with fellow alt group Switchfoot opening. Indiana Pacers Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard will serve as grand marshals for the May 23 Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade.
Contact IndyStar Pop Culture Reporter Heather Bushman at hbushman@indystar.com. Follow her on X @hmb_1013.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy 500 taps Indy native for repeat ‘America the Beautiful’ performance
Reporting by Heather Bushman, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
