Broadway star’s game 7 anthem stirs debate—fans can’t agree on the performance
- Replies 3
When the curtain rises on Game 7 of the NBA Finals, all eyes are on the court—but before tip-off, there's one moment that always steals the spotlight: the national anthem.
This year, with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers battling it out in a rare Finals Game 7, the pressure wasn’t just on the players.
It was also on Tony Award-winning Broadway icon Kristin Chenoweth, who took center stage to deliver a rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner that instantly lit up social media—for all kinds of reasons.
Known for her powerhouse vocals and dramatic flair, Chenoweth has dazzled audiences from New York to Hollywood.
But singing the anthem at a high-stakes basketball game? That’s a different kind of stage.
A proud Oklahoma native and loyal Thunder fan, Chenoweth’s appearance was both personal and symbolic.
She’s decked out Thunder hats in rhinestones and even missed performances just to catch games.
Even her 8-year-old dog carries her loyalty, being named after the team. She’s dressed him in themed outfits and has been vocal about never missing a game—unless she’s on stage.
This moment was, for her, a slam dunk of fandom and performance.
Still, not everyone appreciated the theatrical twist she brought to the anthem. One particularly soaring high note became the flashpoint for a storm of online reactions.
“The worst national anthem I ever heard,” one viewer posted.
“Geeze, these anthem singers are getting worse every time,” wrote another. And perhaps most cutting of all: “The end of that anthem made my dog uncomfortable.”
Words like “horrible” and “rough” appeared again and again, with some fans pleading for a more traditional, less embellished delivery.
With a Tony Award (for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown), two additional Tony nominations (Wicked, On the Twentieth Century), and an Emmy (Pushing Daisies), she’s a decorated artist with decades of experience.
This fall, she’ll return to Broadway in The Queen of Versailles—proof that one off-key reception won’t dim her spotlight.
Beyond her personal career, she gives back through the Chenoweth Broadway Bootcamp, nurturing young talent and arts education.
She’s also performed the anthem at Thunder games before—sometimes solo, sometimes joined by her bootcamp students.
“I like how much of a team player you’ve got to be and this is my team.”
She has even shared the anthem spotlight with students from her arts program. That camp is part of an education fund she started, dedicated to fostering young creative talent.
Her foundation focuses on enriching children's lives through education, experience, and entertainment.
It’s a cause close to her heart, and one she remains actively involved in.
Read next:
Was Kristin Chenoweth’s performance a bold interpretation or a Broadway misfire? Do you prefer your national anthems simple and classic, or are you open to some creative flair? And while we’re at it, what’s your all-time favorite (or least favorite) anthem moment? Let the community know in the comments—because here at The GrayVine, your voice matters as much as the one on the mic.
This year, with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers battling it out in a rare Finals Game 7, the pressure wasn’t just on the players.
It was also on Tony Award-winning Broadway icon Kristin Chenoweth, who took center stage to deliver a rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner that instantly lit up social media—for all kinds of reasons.
Known for her powerhouse vocals and dramatic flair, Chenoweth has dazzled audiences from New York to Hollywood.
But singing the anthem at a high-stakes basketball game? That’s a different kind of stage.
A proud Oklahoma native and loyal Thunder fan, Chenoweth’s appearance was both personal and symbolic.
Kristin Chenoweth performed the national anthem at the NBA Finals Game 7. Image Source: ESPN / YouTube
She’s decked out Thunder hats in rhinestones and even missed performances just to catch games.
Even her 8-year-old dog carries her loyalty, being named after the team. She’s dressed him in themed outfits and has been vocal about never missing a game—unless she’s on stage.
This moment was, for her, a slam dunk of fandom and performance.
Still, not everyone appreciated the theatrical twist she brought to the anthem. One particularly soaring high note became the flashpoint for a storm of online reactions.
Internet reaction: Not exactly a standing ovation
As soon as the final note faded, NBA fans raced to their keyboards. Some praised her vocal range, but many others... weren’t so kind.“The worst national anthem I ever heard,” one viewer posted.
“Geeze, these anthem singers are getting worse every time,” wrote another. And perhaps most cutting of all: “The end of that anthem made my dog uncomfortable.”
Words like “horrible” and “rough” appeared again and again, with some fans pleading for a more traditional, less embellished delivery.
A seasoned star with nothing to prove
Critics aside, Chenoweth is far from an amateur.With a Tony Award (for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown), two additional Tony nominations (Wicked, On the Twentieth Century), and an Emmy (Pushing Daisies), she’s a decorated artist with decades of experience.
This fall, she’ll return to Broadway in The Queen of Versailles—proof that one off-key reception won’t dim her spotlight.
Beyond her personal career, she gives back through the Chenoweth Broadway Bootcamp, nurturing young talent and arts education.
She’s also performed the anthem at Thunder games before—sometimes solo, sometimes joined by her bootcamp students.
“I was a cheerleader in high school in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and I loved football, but my favorite was basketball,” she said.“I like how much of a team player you’ve got to be and this is my team.”
She has even shared the anthem spotlight with students from her arts program. That camp is part of an education fund she started, dedicated to fostering young creative talent.
Her foundation focuses on enriching children's lives through education, experience, and entertainment.
It’s a cause close to her heart, and one she remains actively involved in.
Read next:
- The star-spangled blunder: Broadway star’s national anthem performance leaves fans divided
- From J.Lo to Janet: Highlights from a memorable 2025 American Music Awards
Last edited:
