Josh Kaufman to Sing ‘Back Home Again in Indiana’ With Indianapolis Children’s Choir

John Kaufman, the 2014 Voice champ and an IUPUI graduate, will sing “Back Home Again in Indiana” with accompaniment by the Indianapolis Children’s Choir for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 this year. Since Jim Nabors’s final performance in 2014, the performance of the historic song has taken a decidedly local turn with popular a capella group Straight No Chaser, from IU, singing in last year’s race.

“I strive to make deep emotional connections with my music and on Memorial Day Weekend at the Indy 500, nothing goes deeper with fans than ‘Back Home Again in Indiana,’” Kaufman said in a statement. “I can’t wait to be a part of history on such a special day.”

“The singing of ‘Back Home Again in Indiana’ is a signature of the Indianapolis 500 and one that our fans cherish as a distinctly ‘Hoosier’ moment,” said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president. “Since Jim Nabors’s final performance in 2014, our goal is to select performers who have an understanding of the song’s meaning and significant importance to the Indianapolis 500 experience and the race’s fans. Josh Kaufman’s impressive voice and local ties, along with support from the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, will deliver just that.”

Here are 9 things to know about the 2014 Voice champ.