Studying Time: 3 minutes
Kristin Chenoweth carried out the Nationwide Anthem on Sunday evening.
The legendary Glinda actress introduced her Broadway voice out onto the basketball courtroom.
(She additionally occurs to be a superfan of one of many groups)
Some viewers felt divided over her rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner,” with some piling on reward and others making unfavorable comparisons.
Kristin Chenoweth sings forward of Recreation Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Heart on June 22, 2025. (Picture Credit score: Justin Ford/Getty Photos)
Krisin Chenoweth carried out ‘The Star Spangled Banner’
On Sunday evening, Kristin Chenoweth carried out the Nationwide Anthem forward of Recreation 7 of the title collection between the Thunder and the Indiana Pacers.
If you’re not acquainted, these are basketball groups. The 4-foot-11 Depraved actress isn’t precisely an NBA star, however her being there made a number of sense.
Chenoweth is a lifelong Thunder fan. She can be an award-winning actress and probably the most celebrated Broadway performers on the planet.
Kristin Chenoweth sings the nationwide anthem previous to Recreation Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals. (Picture Credit score: Justin Ford/Getty Photos)
Shortly earlier than what is named the tipoff of the sport — on this case, the ultimate sport of the NBA season — Chenoweth’s efficiency aired stay.
“Let me just say, if they had anxiety medication for Thunder fans, I’d be taking it,” she gushed to the Related Press earlier than the massive efficiency.
It’s not that the viewers is daunting in comparison with her profession. However this can be a lady who grew up in Damaged Arrow, 115 miles northeast of the place the Thunder play. Her canine’s title is Thunder. She as soon as spent 3 hours bedazzling a Thunder hat.
KRISTIN CHENOWETH SINGS THE NATIONAL ANTHEM 🤩
PERFECT WAY TO TIP OFF GAME 7 ON ABC! pic.twitter.com/BVUEcNmD8L
— NBA (@NBA) June 23, 2025
How did she do?
As you may see from this ABC clip, Kristin Chenoweth did an exceptional job performing the Nationwide Anthem.
“Damn! That was one of the stronger National Anthems I’ve heard in awhile!! Great job by Kristin Chenoweth!!” praised one viewer.
One other heard her rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner and easily declared: “WOW SHE GOT PIPES.”
Kristin Chenoweth sings the nationwide anthem previous to Recreation Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals. (Picture Credit score: Justin Ford/Getty Photos)
Nevertheless, the efficiency was to not everybody’s style.
“What the hell was that national anthem?” one random particular person tweeted.
One other spat: “This national anthem up there with fergie.” A number of critics made comparable references to Fergie’s unlucky 2018 NBA All-Star Recreation efficiency.
Kristin Chenoweth ought to be required to face subsequent to Boban Marjanovic always from right here on out.😂 pic.twitter.com/j6k7Vu9Vj8
— Historical past of Comedy (@ofComedyHistory) June 23, 2025
The Nationwide Anthem could be a sensitive matter
The Star Spangled Banner is from a portion of a Francis Scott Key poem, The Protection of Fort M’Henry, that he penned whereas a prisoner of struggle throughout the Conflict of 1812.
Set to the tune of ‘To Anacreon in Heaven,” the Anthem highly effective moments. And, after all, some heavy sentimental and political implications.
Kristin Chenoweth’s vocals are unbelievable, and she or he carried out our nation’s anthem admirably at a time when rousing up patriotic emotions is understandably troublesome for a lot of. You possibly can’t ask for greater than that.