American R&B singer Ashanti surprised racegoers at Flemington Racecourse with an unannounced performance during Melbourne’s Oaks Day festivities on November 6, according to mirror.co.uk.
The Grammy-winning artist took over the DJ booth in the exclusive Birdcage enclosure, delivering a rendition of her 2002 hit single “What’s Luv?” to an unsuspecting audience.
The unexpected appearance took place during the third major race day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Footage captured by local DJ Emma Peters showed the performer stepping up to the microphone, prompting immediate recognition and enthusiastic responses from attendees inside the venue.
Ashanti is currently in Australia as part of a national concert tour. Her impromptu set featured several signature tracks from the early 2000s, with venue patrons singing along to the performance.
Footage of the event circulated rapidly on social media platforms following the event, drawing widespread engagement from fans and racegoers online.
Oaks Day, traditionally known as Ladies Day, is one of the premier fixtures of Australia’s autumn racing calendar, attracting prominent international guests and public figures annually.