FanDuel Group, the premier online gaming company in North America and an Official Partner of Churchill Downs Inc, announced today that Grammy-nominated artist Shaboozey will be headlining the FanDuel Kentucky Derby Party.
Following last year’s buzzworthy inaugural event featuring performances by Luke Bryan and Ne-Yo, FanDuel is once again bringing star power to Derby weekend’s social calendar with the exclusive, invite-only event set to take place on Friday, May 2nd at Paristown Arts and Entertainment District in Louisville, Kentucky.
“I’m hyped to be part of the Derby this year,” said Shaboozey. “It’s one of those bucket list events you dream about playing and we’ll be bringing serious vibes to Louisville with FanDuel.”
As part of the celebration, FanDuel will make a $100,000 donation in support of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, a nonprofit that accredits and provides grants for approved non profit organizations that provide care, retraining, and rehoming for retired racehorses. With horse racing at the core of FanDuel’s history, the company and FanDuel TV have been committed to giving back to the community that makes the sport possible and raising the profile of Thoroughbred aftercare.
“The Kentucky Derby is a celebration of tradition, energy, and unforgettable moments,” said Andrew Moore, General Manager of Racing at FanDuel. “Horse racing is where FanDuel’s journey began, and it remains a central part of who we are as a company. Between the iconic FanDuel party and our donation to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, we’re looking forward to making FanDuel’s presence in Louisville known.”
“For 5 years, FanDuel has generously supported Thoroughbred aftercare and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance through an annual donation,” TAA President Walt Robertson said. “The TAA is thrilled to continue to receive the donation in 2025 and grateful to FanDuel for its continued support.”
About Shaboozey
Shaboozey is building his own world, carving a lane in the alternative country and hip-hop space. Born to parents of Nigerian descent and raised in the small town of Woodbridge, VA, the multi-faceted artist grew up on an eclectic mix of music encompassing classic hip-hop and R&B, to country and blues icons like Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers, Garth Brooks, and Lead Belly, to master lyricists, such as Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.
A true crossover artist, he began his epic rise to stardom with two standout features on Beyoncé’s COWBOY CARTER. His latest body of work, the critically acclaimed RIAA-Platinum certified masterpiece Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, debuted in the top five of the Billboard 200.
The album’s breakthrough anthem, the 8X RIAA-Platinum certified, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” holds the record for the longest-leading Hot 100 No. 1 while also topping Billboard’s Hot Country Songs, Country Airplay Chart, and Mediabase/Country Aircheck charts. The single has accumulated over a billion streams across DSPs and made history, making Shaboozey the first Black male artist to simultaneously top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and Hot 100.
He earned five nominations at the 2025 GRAMMY® Awards including Best New Artist and Song of the Year. He won the New Artist of 2024 and New Artist Song of 2024 awards at the People’s Choice Country Awards, garnered Best New Artist and Song of the Summer nominations at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, and was nominated for New Artist of the Year and Single of the Year at the 2024 Country Music Association Awards. He was also named a TIME100 NEXT honoree and Billboard Country Power Player. Shaboozey was crowned Newcomer Of The Year at Variety’s Hitmakers 2024 and picked up 2024 Billboard Music Awards for Top Song Sales Artist, Top Selling Song, and Top Country Song. Most recently, Shaboozey was nominated for New Male Artist of the Year and Single of the Year at the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards.
Highlighting not only his musical vision but also his commitment to influencing modern culture, Shaboozey debuted his collaboration for YSL Beauty’s MYSLF Le Parfum for a groundbreaking campaign. Honoring his Virginia roots, Shaboozey continues the region’s long-standing tradition of prolific creativity by expanding the scope of contemporary hip-hop, introducing modern Americana to a global audience, and bringing a unique sense of artistry to the world. His debut headline Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going tour sold out in every market across North America, Europe, and the UK, and he played arenas nationwide as part of Jelly Roll’s Beautifully Broken tour.
