Martina McBride Will Perform National Anthem At The Indy 500

Country music singer-songwriter Martina McBride will be performing the national anthem at this year's Indianapolis 500 on May 27. Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials today are expected to officially announce Marina's involvement later today at a press conference. Martina McBride is a Grammy-winning star and a four-time Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year.

She has hit Billboard's Top 40 Pop Singles charts five times with "Wrong Again," "Whatever You Say" and "I Love You" in 1999; "Blessed" in 2002; and "This One's For the Girls" in 2003. McBride is a good fit for pre-race activity because her strong voice will help build excitement for the start of the Indianapolis 500, according to Doug Boles, IMS spokesman. "You really want to have someone who can belt out that national anthem," he said. Officials also wanted a vocalist, like McBride, who would sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" in its traditional form, he said.