LEBANON, Tenn. — Nashville Superspeedway's "Next Rising Star" contest reaches its climax this week as three emerging artists take the stage at Whiskey Row on Saturday starting at 1 p.m. CT.
The "Next Rising Star" finale at Whiskey Row (400 Broadway) in downtown Nashville is free and open to the public.
The live finale event will feature performances by three finalists -- Karissa Ella, Yellow Banks and Makenzie Phipps -- who will compete before a panel of judges and a live audience for the chance to perform on the pre-race concert stage ahead of the Cracker Barrel 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on May 31 at Nashville Superspeedway.
"We're excited to give an up-and-coming artist the opportunity to perform in front of thousands of NASCAR fans before the Cracker Barrel 400," said Matt Greci, general manager of Nashville Superspeedway. "This contest embodies what our 'High-Speed Honky Tonk' is all about. We want to bring together the best of racing and music here in Music City."
The three finalists are:
- Karissa Ella, an Ohio native and Belmont graduate who has earned recognition from CMT, Taste of Country and Sounds Like Nashville. Inspired by Shania Twain, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood, she has built a devoted following through her infectious personality and genuine songwriting, and has shared the road with Grammy-nominated country star David Nail.
- Yellow Banks, a country and western band from Owensboro, Kentucky, whose sound blends traditional country, western swing, rockabilly and funk. The group is known for electric live performances anchored by hard-hitting lyrics, pounding rhythm and soulful guitar work.
- Makenzie Phipps, a Virginia native and viral country sensation who has earned press coverage in People, Forbes, American Songwriter and more. The niece of country music songwriter Ron Simons, Phipps most recently appeared on NBC's The Voice.
For more information on the contest and the Cracker Barrel 400 race weekend, visit NashvilleSuperspeedway.com.
-- NashvilleSuperspeedway.com --
2026 Race Schedule and Tickets
Friday, May 29
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Flote 200
(7 p.m. CT, FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday, May 30
Wilson County Convention and Visitors Bureau Qualifying
NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Sports Illustrated 250
(6:30 p.m. CT, The CW, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday, May 31
NASCAR Cup Series Cracker Barrel 400
(6 p.m. CT, Amazon Prime Video, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday, July 19
NTT INDYCAR Series Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix
Call 866.RACE.TIX to discuss your options with an account representative, or visit NashvilleSuperspeedway.com.
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About Nashville Superspeedway
Nashville Superspeedway stands as Middle Tennessee’s premier racing destination, nestled in one of America’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding regions. Our 1.33-mile D-shaped concrete track, featuring 14 degrees of banking, holds the distinction of being NASCAR’s largest all-concrete venue. Nashville Superspeedway’s rich racing heritage includes five NASCAR Cup Series races, 26 NASCAR Xfinity Series events, 18 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competitions and 10 INDYCAR SERIES battles -- including the 2024 and 2025 INDYCAR SERIES championship finales. As a Speedway Motorsports property, Nashville Superspeedway serves as a year-round entertainment venue welcoming families and race fans from across the globe.
