Celebrities That Attended Kentucky Derby 2025
The 2025 Kentucky Derby was a true spectacle. Sovereignty wasn’t the favorite to win the race, but the odds before the race put him near the top, and he managed to claim the victory in a tight race against Journalism.
Just like every year, Churchill Downs was packed with spectators, but maybe because of the bad weather, we saw a slight decrease from last year, coming in at 147,000 people. The all-sources betting handle on the Derby and the entire racing card set records of $234.4 million and $349 million, so it was an incredible event.
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However, no Kentucky Derby will be complete without some celebrities, right? After all, this is the biggest horse race in the world, and many of these celebrities are carefully picking such events just to be in the spotlight.
So, which famous people did we spot at the Kentucky Derby? Let’s find out.
Shaboozey
This is expected, right? Shaboozey, the popular country singer who had a couple of Billboard-topping records last year, has attended the Kentucky Derby.
He has always been interested in country life and horses, making the Kentucky Derby one of the best events associated with his music career.
Shaboozey wore a light brown suit with incredible details on the arms and legs. He topped all that with a white shirt and a cactus as a bowtie emblem.
Simone Biles
Simone Biles, the gymnastics icon with 37 Olympic and World medals, was the heart and soul of the Derby’s kickoff, delivering the “Riders Up” call to rally the jockeys.
Decked out in a strapless purple gown with bedazzled accents and a matching fascinator, she glowed alongside her husband, Jonathan Owens, who rocked a lilac blazer, per usatoday.com and usmagazine.com.
Her infectious energy lit up the 147,406 fans, and her confident shout—needing no rehearsal, she told reporters—set the tone for the muddy, thrilling race.
Alix Earle and Braxton Berrios
TikTok queen Alix Earle and her boyfriend, Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Berrios, were the Derby’s ultimate influencer duo, strutting the red carpet like they were born for it.
Alix sizzled in a sleek black Marc Jacobs dress with a matching fascinator, while Braxton popped in a pink blazer over white pants. Their chemistry was undeniable at the track and the Barnstable Brown Gala, where they mingled with fans.
Alix, fresh off stepping back from her Hot Mess podcast, teased “big plans” to E! News. Braxton’s lucky Derby pick—Sovereignty, the 7-1 winner.
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Selma Blair
Selma Blair, the Cruel Intentions star, brought timeless grace to Churchill Downs, wowing in a pale-yellow Leo Lin “Odette” midi dress paired with pink heels and a beige fascinator. Spotted on the red carpet and mingling in the stands, her radiant smile cut through the rainy gloom.
Her appearance, a nod to the Derby’s bold fashion legacy, earned X praise for “effortless chic,” with fans noting her strength after her MS journey.
Selma’s presence added a touch of Hollywood warmth to the 151st Derby, and her photos show her nailing the balance of understated and unforgettable. Scroll through Getty Images for her red-carpet glow—you’ll wish you’d seen her in person.
Dannielynn and Larry Birkhead
Dannielynn Birkhead, the 18-year-old daughter of the late Anna Nicole Smith, and her dad, Larry Birkhead, kept their 15-year Derby streak alive, hitting both the Barnstable Brown Gala and the main event.
At the gala, Dannielynn wore her mom’s iconic 2004 aquamarine ruffled gown, paired with vintage jewelry, a tearful tribute that “felt like a hug,” she told Access Hollywood.
On Derby Day, she sparkled in a blue Mac Duggal gown, while Larry complemented her in an eggshell suit with an aqua tie, per isabelrosas.com and usatoday.com.
Their emotional presence, a Louisville tradition, with posts calling Dannielynn “Anna’s legacy.” Browse InStyle’s gala coverage for their story—it’s a reminder of the Derby’s heart beyond the hats.
Guy Fieri
Celebrity chef Guy Fieri rolled into the Derby with his son Hunter, bringing his signature larger-than-life energy to the red carpet. Sporting a hot pink leather blazer that screamed “Flavortown,” paired with a white shirt and shades, Guy was impossible to miss.
He told reporters his dream racehorse name would be—you guessed it—Flavortown. Spotted at the track and the Revel at the Races party, his first-time Derby visit with Hunter was a hit, with fans loving his “wild style.”
His larger-than-life vibe added a spicy kick to the day. So, this was definitely a star-studded event where we’ve seen even more celebrities like Mickey Guyton, Grace Potter, Chris Tucker, Richie Sambora, Brantley Gilbert, Livvy Dunne, and even Mr. Mixx with an unusual chained-up rapper suit outfit.
Since this is one of the biggest horse racing events in the world, the attention that it gets from celebrities is usual, and it has been growing in the past couple of years as they are all looking to be in the spotlight.
