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INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Blake Shelton will lend his voice to the Indianapolis 500 as the grand marshal for Sunday’s race.
The country music star and coach on NBC’s “The Voice,” Shelton will give the traditional command for drivers to report to their cars during the official pre-race ceremonies. Shelton has a lengthy association with auto racing and served last weekend as the grand marshal for NASCAR’s All-Star race. He also played a pre-race concert at Texas Motor Speedway.
Shelton also collaborated with Indianapolis 500 rookie -- and seven-time NASCAR champion -- Jimmie Johnson on the driver’s helmet design for the race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“Blake is a country music powerhouse and good friend of motorsports fans everywhere,” IMS President Doug Boles said. “For both spectators at the track and everyone watching on NBC, his winning energy will be a perfect fit for the intensity of ‘The Greatest Spectacle of Racing.’”
WWE global ambassador Titus O’Neil will serve as grand marshal of the Indy 500 Snake Pit, a traditional party zone in the track’s infield. O’Neil will hype the party from the Snake Pit stage before the green flag waves.
“Top Gun: Maverick” actor Miles Teller had previously been announced as the honorary starter.
Scott Dixon smashed the Indianapolis 500 pole-winning record with a qualifying run of more than 234 mph. He will lead the 33-car field to the green flag Sunday.
Rick Astley will take viewers on a reflective look back at his life and career when he appears alongside Dermot O’Leary in a new episode of Reel Stories, due to air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in February 2026.
The series, first broadcast in 2018, invites major music figures into a London cinema to revisit key moments from both their personal lives and professional paths. With his 60th birthday approaching next year, Astley becomes the latest musician to sit down with O’Leary for the thoughtful and personal conversation.
Looking back on taking part, Astley said: “I loved doing Reel Stories with Dermot O’Leary, what a treat to be taken back to the start and come right through to today. Dermot is the perfect companion to go on that rollercoaster of emotion, love and thanks, Rick x.”
O’Leary shared his own praise for the experience, saying: “What a pleasure to spend time with Rick and hear him talk so openly about his memories from over the decades. I’ve long been a fan of his… A true gent, wise soul and real talent. I hope that viewers enjoy this extended interview as much as I did.”
Rachel Davies, Commissioning Editor for BBC Pop Music TV, described the timing of the episode as ideal. She said: “Reel Stories is all about telling artists’ stories in a unique way… I’m thrilled that in February, Dermot will be joined by the one and only Rick Astley, celebrating Rick’s life and work as he reaches his 60th birthday.”
The programme follows Astley’s journey from his early work with the soul group FBI through to becoming an international pop star guided by Stock Aitken Waterman. He revisits his first appearance on Top of the Pops, speaks about the intense pressure that followed worldwide success when Never Gonna Give You Up reached number one in 25 countries, and reflects on his decision to step back from fame to focus on family.
Astley also talks about how his music found a new audience through the Rickrolling phenomenon, his return to recording after a 20 year break with encouragement from comedian Peter Kay, and his later career revival. This includes the success of his 2016 album 50 and his appearance on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in 2023.
As part of the themed evening, viewers will also be able to watch a repeat of Astley’s Glastonbury performance along with Stock Aitken Waterman at the BBC. The additional programme features classic moments from Astley as well as performances by Dead or Alive, Donna Summer, Bananarama, Mel and Kim, and Kylie and Jason Donovan.
Astley now joins a notable group of past Reel Stories guests that includes Dave Grohl, Jon Bon Jovi, Kylie, Noel Gallagher, Pet Shop Boys, Robbie Williams, Shania Twain, Rod Stewart, Sting, and Take That.
