Who is at the Kentucky Derby in 2026? Patti LaBelle, Luis Fonsi highlight list of celebrities attending 2026 race originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Whether it’s a row of celebrities sitting courtside in the NBA or silver screen stars watching prized stallions, celebrities love major sporting events. This year’s Kentucky Derby is no different.
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Stars swoop in from around the world to attend the Kentucky Derby each year. While fans knew that a multitude of huge names would flock to Louisville to enjoy the weekend’s festivities, the list has been revealed.
Fans still await which celebrity will deliver the famed “Riders Up” command at this year’s Kentucky Derby. This has been a tradition since 1875, when the event began, but the honor was given to a celebrity beginning in 2012 and has continued ever since. The honor has been bestowed upon gymnast Simone Biles, NFL QB Patrick Mahomes and celebrity chef Martha Stewart in the past.
For the Kentucky Oaks event, this honor will go to Camille Kostek, model and host of the TV show Wipeout. This command was previously given by gymnast and influencer Livvy Dunne and legendary paralympian Oksana Masters.
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Here’s who you can expect to see at this weekend’s 152nd annual Kentucky Derby.
MORE: Guide to Kentucky Derby hats, fashion traditions
Who is attending the Kentucky Derby?
It’s expected that this year’s Derby will see north of 150,000 attendees. That’s more than twice the attendance of this year’s Super Bowl.
But this is an event full of fanfare and celebration, featuring the rosy red carpet at Churchill Downs. And with that bright red sight, celebrities show up in droves.
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MORE: Biggest upsets in Kentucky Derby history, including Rich Strike, Country House, more
The Kentucky Derby is such a popular and well-attended event among global stars that the length of the following list may appear to be similar to a CVS receipt.
Here’s a list of who will be in attendance in Louisville.
The War and Treaty, singing duo
Larry Birkhead and Dannielynn Birkhead, family of Anna Nicole Smith
Sugarhill Gang, hip-hop group
Orianthi, guitarist/singer
Jeff Brohm, Louisville head football coach
Warren Moon, former NFL QB
Zach Randolph, former NBA PF
Harry Douglas, ESPN analyst
Michael Eaves, “SportsCenter” anchor
Bonnie-Jill Laflin, actress
Jean Cruguet, former Triple Crown winner
Michael Manganello, Kentucky Derby winner
Kaoru Tsuchiya Hawley, jockey
Anthony Ramos, singer/actor
Andrea Canning, journalist
Griffin Johnson, influencer
Melissa Joan Hart, actress
Cassie Donegan, Miss America 2026
Bob Guiney, TV personality
Amanda Christine, actress
Dr. Ajmal Zemmar, neurosurgeon
The McFarlands, influencers
Heather French Henry, former Miss America
Ethan the Dog, compassion ambassador