Broadway Star’s National Anthem at NBA Finals Hits a Sour Note with Fans
Renowned Broadway performer Kristin Chenoweth took center stage before Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, but her rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” didn’t quite land with the basketball audience. Known for her powerful theatrical voice, Chenoweth delivered an anthem steeped in showtune tradition, a style that proved divisive among viewers watching the high-stakes matchup between the Indiana Pacers and her hometown team, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The 56-year-old Tony winner, an Oklahoma native, performed on Sunday, June 22. Sporting a Thunder graphic tee and distinctive silver boots, her delivery featured the signature vibrato and dramatic flair familiar to theatergoers. The performance culminated in an extended, operatic high note towards the end, which garnered applause within the arena.
However, the reaction online painted a significantly different picture. **Social media platforms quickly filled with commentary, much of it critical of the theatrical approach in a sporting context.** Many fans found the style jarring, expressing sentiments that ranged from deeming it among the “worst” national anthems they had ever heard to simply voicing bewilderment at the choice of an “opera singer” for the occasion. One widely shared reaction captured the feeling of being visibly taken aback by the performance. Some commenters suggested alternative performers, referencing, for instance, a recent Spanish-language rendition by singer Nezza at a Dodgers game that had been well-received.
**Chenoweth’s performance inevitably drew comparisons to other national anthems that have sparked controversy over the years.** Most notably, some commentators likened it to Fergie’s much-criticized jazzy interpretation at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game. Following that performance, Fergie herself acknowledged that her rendition didn’t hit the “intended tone,” stating she was a “risk taker artistically.” Other recent, unconventional performances that drew headlines include country singer Ingrid Andress’s 2024 MLB Home Run Derby anthem and rapper Flavor Flav’s 2023 rendition at a Milwaukee Bucks game.
Despite the mixed reviews for the pre-game performance, Chenoweth’s beloved Oklahoma City Thunder went on to win the decisive Game 7 against the Pacers with a score of 103-91. This victory secured the franchise’s historic first NBA championship title, providing a triumphant note for the home team regardless of the pre-game anthem’s reception.
Ultimately, **Chenoweth’s performance highlighted the differing expectations audiences have for the national anthem depending on the context.** While her theatrical talent is undeniable, its application in the setting of a high-stakes NBA final proved to be a notable point of contention for many viewers, sparking a wide range of reactions online.
