Glamour meets southern tradition as celebrities walk red carpet at Kentucky Derby 152

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Beneath bright lights and buzzing cameras, the red carpet at the 152nd Kentucky Derby came alive Saturday morning as a mix of glamour, tradition and anticipation filled the air.

Hollywood A-listers, musicians and elite athletes posed for the camera just hours before the "most exciting two minutes in sports."

Local leaders like Rep. Morgan McGarvey, Mayor Craig Greenberg and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear also stepped into the spotlight to represent the Bluegrass State.

"So exciting that the entire world is looking at us," Beshear said. "We like to show off the Commonwealth. It's a good time to be a Kentuckian."

IMAGES | Celebrities, political leaders and athletes walk the red carpet at Derby 152

Some celebrities had Kentucky ties like former University of Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, who gave his favorite Derby horse picks.

"We like Commandment, Commandment, Chief Wallaby and Emerging Market," Levis said.

Musician and address Nicole Scherzinger, who was raised in Louisville, is just glad to be back in the Commonwealth.

"I'm so proud to represent Louisville. It was a dream come true for me to be able to sing at the Kentucky Oaks yesterday," Scherzinger said.

Celebrities like Joey Fatone, Neil Patrick Harris and Star Jones, this isn't their first Derby.

This is Jones' 17th Derby, and she said she keeps coming back for the all-around fun.

"You get to dress up, you get to bet and you get to hang with your friends. It's just an amazing time, and the Southern Hospitality makes it all wonderful," Jones said.

Other celebrities are experiencing it all for the first time, like Miss Kentucky USA 2025 Mattie Barker, who said she's just excited to be a part of it.

"I've never been to any horse race, so I'm literally so excited," Barker said.

Sticking with her roots, Barker said she is betting on Robusta because the horse is from her Kentucky hometown.

The running of the Derby is set to start at 6:57 pm.