Multiple Grammy Award-winning country music superstar LeAnn Rimes will sing the national anthem during pre-race ceremonies at the 98th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 25, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
One of the world’s most successful country music entertainers with a career spanning more than 20 years, Rimes was the youngest person to ever win a Grammy Award and was the first country artist to win the Grammy for Best New Artist.
“To sing the national anthem at one of the most prestigious racing events is truly an honor,” said Rimes. “The adrenaline at the Speedway is felt around the world and I know I am one of millions who is so excited to hear those six legendary words ‘ladies and gentlemen, start your engines.’ ”
Since breaking into country music in 1996, Rimes has released 10 studio albums, three compilation albums and two greatest hits albums. Rimes has placed 40 singles on American and international charts with 13 Top-10 hits, and has sold more than 40 million records worldwide.
Rimes had her first national hit at age 13 with the 1996 release of “Blue,” which remained at the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s country albums chart for more than three months. Rimes has amassed 42 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart, 13 of which have made the Top 10. Her version of “How Do I Live” is the second-longest charting song in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and her smash hit “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” topped the charts in 11 countries.
“The pre-race pageantry of the Indianapolis 500 is one of the most exciting traditions in sports and a highlight of those activities is the singing of our national anthem,” said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president. “We are looking forward to LeAnn Rimes’ performance and hearing her amazing voice as we pay tribute to our great nation and the men and women who have served to defend our freedoms.”
Rimes had a hand in penning every song on her 2007 release “Family,” which received two Grammy nominations. Her album, “Spitfire,” her most personal to date, was released on June 4, 2013 and was immediately a critics’ favorite. It debuted at No. 9 on Billboard’s Top Country Album chart and number four on iTunes.
In June 2014 Rimes will release an album of dance remixes entitled, “Dance Like You Don’t Give A ….”. She is also the star of the upcoming VH1 show, “LeAnn & Eddie,” set to premiere in July 2014.
