Josh Groban to sing national anthem at Kentucky Derby

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.