NBA fans criticized Tony Award winner and Oklahoma native Kristin Chenoweth’s national anthem performance before Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers.
Chenoweth, 56, took center stage at Paycom Center Sunday night, captivating a packed audience with her version of the anthem. She notably held a long high note towards the song’s conclusion, prompting enthusiastic applause from those present.
Although the performance seemed to excite fans at the venue, viewers of the ABC live broadcast appeared less impressed by the Broadway star’s vocal rendition.
“The Kristen Chenoweth rendition of the National Anthem was a difficult listen,” one viewer posted on X.
“What the hell was that national anthem?” another questioned.
“This is the worst National Anthem I ever heard,” another boldly stated.
“This national anthem up there with fergie,” another wrote, referring to singer Fergie’s infamous national anthem performance at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game.
Though Chenoweth received some harsh criticism for the performance, others appeared to enjoy her rendition.
“Damn! That was one of the stronger National Anthems I’ve heard in awhile!! Great job by Kristin Chenoweth!!” One Game 7 final viewer wrote.
“That national anthem performance got me ready to run through a wall,” another wrote.
“Oklahoma native Kristin Chenoweth nailed the national anthem before Game 7,” wrote another.
Born in Broken Arrow — about 115 miles northeast of the Paycom Center — Chenoweth went to Oklahoma City University before becoming an award-winning actress.
However, through all her success, the “Wicked” star has never forgotten her roots or shied away from hiding her Thunder fandom.
“I never miss a game unless I’m on stage,” Chenoweth, donning a Thunder sweatshirt, told the Tulsa World during her soundcheck at the Paycom Center before the game.
“I was a cheerleader in high school in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and I loved football, but my favorite was basketball. I like how much of a team player you’ve got to be. … And this is my team.”
Chenoweth said that her love for the Thunder runs so deeply that she spent three hours bedazzling a Thunder hat.
She also said she named her 8-year-old pup “Thunder” and even bought the dog his own team apparel to wear.
“Let me just say, if they had anxiety medication for Thunder fans, I’d be taking it,” Chenoweth said.
Prior to tip-off on Sunday, the “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” actress said the nerves she’s feeling ahead of Game 7 are up there with some of the most significant moments of her entertainment career.
“I’ve had some pretty big moments in my life in the entertainment field, but this one, I don’t know why, makes me nervous,” Chenoweth said.
However, nerves aside, the Tony Award-winning actress said it was an honor to be chosen to perform the anthem for her hometown team.
“I just am very honored that they asked. And I’m proud of these kids. I mean, we have come so far. Of course I want us to win,” she said.
“When the NFL has hired me for the anthem, you remain neutral. But the NBA didn’t hire me for this, so I’m Thundering it up.”
Chenoweth added that the young players on the Thunder have been an inspiration to continue her already critically acclaimed career.
“I still have the desire,” Chenoweth said.
“I think really what inspires me lately is young talent. I’m seeing and watching and learning from them. Hopefully they’re learning from me. And there’s nothing better than watching a budding talent whether it’s basketball or a singer, an artist, it’s my jam. What keeps me going right now is other people inspiring me to do what I love.”
The Thunder came out on top at the end of Game 7, earning an NBA title for the first time in the franchise’s history after defeating the Pacers 103 – 91.
League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named Most Valuable Player of the Finals after helping his team secure Sunday night’s win with 29 points.
