Kristin Chenoweth’s NBA Finals Performance Sparks Online Buzz

Image via lev radin / Shutterstock

Tony Award-winning Broadway legend Kristin Chenoweth brought her signature vocal power and heartfelt pride to the NBA Finals on Sunday night, performing the national anthem ahead of Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers.

A proud Oklahoma native and longtime Thunder supporter, Chenoweth flew in for the occasion and delivered a soaring version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” that blended tradition with a touch of Broadway flair. “I always take singing that song very seriously,” she told The Oklahoman after the event. “I just wanted to make Oklahoma proud.”

Her performance, especially its theatrical climax, sparked a wave of online conversation. While some fans celebrated her voice and passion, calling the moment “iconic” and praising her range, others questioned whether the stylized delivery fit the mood of the game. Still, the impact of her vocals was undeniable, and the response reflects a broader cultural conversation around anthem performances and artistic interpretation.

Chenoweth, who said she was thinking about her home state and her favorite team during the performance, emphasized that this moment felt personal. “It’s the very final game; we’re at home; we want this championship… So that’s the time to really sing it,” she said.

Ultimately, the Thunder secured the win, defeating the Pacers 103–91, and Chenoweth’s performance remains one of the most talked-about moments of the night.