Eight Outstanding Performers to Sing the National Anthem at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS
Las Vegas Events, in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, announced today the list of eight outstanding performers scheduled to sing the national anthem at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. The Wrangler NFR will kick off on Thursday, Dec. 3 and run through Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Thomas & Mack Center.
The eight confirmed national anthem performers are:
Thursday, Dec. 3 – Hadlie Jo
Friday, Dec. 11 – Gunnar Lantham (also performing at Rio Las Vegas on Dec. 8)
“We have worked closely again with our partners at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to assemble another impressive group of national anthem performers for the 2026 Wrangler NFR,” said Bo Gardner, vice president of corporate marketing at Las Vegas Events. “We’re appreciative both of our partnership to secure this group of entertainers and of the performers themselves who have dedicated their time and talent to be with us in Las Vegas to pay tribute and start the rodeo with the Star Spangled Banner.”
Two additional performers will be added to the list above, awarded to the winners of the NFR National Anthem Contest. The contest launched Aug. 12 with all entries submitted by Friday, Aug. 28. From there, an initial fan vote will narrow the list to the Top 30. On Oct. 9, following a committee review of the Top 30, two winners will be announced and perform in Las Vegas.
Full details, along with all rules and regulations about the NFR National Anthem Contest, can be found here.
Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding to compete for a share of the increased purse and the coveted PRCA Gold Buckle. In 2025, the event had a total attendance of 175,846 over the ten rounds of competition at the Thomas & Mack Center and has sold out 389 consecutive performances in Las Vegas.
For more information on the Wrangler NFR, please visit NFRexperience.com or through social media at @LasVegasNFR and use #WranglerNFR. For the latest ProRodeo news and Wrangler NFR coverage, please visit prorodeo.com or through social media @PRCA_ProRodeo.
